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THE 



APOCRYPHAL 

NEW TESTAMENT, 



BEING ALL 



®l)e (Gospels, €pt0tU0, 

AND 

OTHER PIECES NOW EXTANT; 

ATTRIBUTED IN THE FIRST FOUR CENTURIES TO 

JESUS CHRIST, 

HIS APOSTLES, AND THEIR COMPANIONS, 

AND NOT INCLUDED IN 

THE NEW TESTAMENT 

BY ITS COMPILERS. 

TRANSLATED, AND NOW FIRST COLLECTED INTO ONE VOLUME, 
WITH PREFACES AND TABLES, 

AND VARIOUS NOTES AND REFERENCES. v 

10 J I 

C' ~^* 

NEW.YORK; 

PUBLISHED BY HENRY G. DAGGERS, 
No. 30 Ann-street. 

! 



A 



op 



3s *~* 3 ^ 



PREFACE TO THE AMERICAN EDITION. 






11 He who possesses this and the New Testament, has, 
in the two volumes, a collection of all the Historical 
records relative to christ and his apostles, now in ex- 
istence, and considered sacred by christians, during^ the 
first four centuries." 

Such is the assertion of the English editor of this Testament ; 
and it is doubtless made in good faith and after a thorough re- 
view of the grounds of his conviction that the present work is 
genuine and authentic. The internal evidence of its style is 
much, but it is less than the proofs which have been gathered 
from external sources, as stated in the Prefaces which follow. 
They will be read, therefore, with an interest commensurate to 
the importance of the topic of which they treat. 

The work itself has excited the greatest attention abroad. Its 
republication has been undertaken here from a persuasion that it 
can do no harm to any reader to see those portions of the Scrip- 
tures which were rejected as Apocryphal by the Fathers of the 
Early Christian Church. On the contrary, the curiosity which 
will be gratified is a laudable one, and must lead to a true con- 
templation of the true Testament. 

No Family Bible is considered complete, unless it contains the 
Apocrypha to the Old Testament. Why should not the Apocry- 



IV PREFACE TO THE AMERICAN EDITION. 

pha to the New Testament be deemed equally important and in- 
teresting ? That it is so, and that it should be universally read, 
will be acknowledged by every dispassionate person, who calmly 
and reasonably reflects upon the nature of this volume. There 
is nothing in it contradictory of those truths which have been ac- 
cepted as revealed, but every Chapter and Verse go to confirm the 
undoubted writings of the Apostles and Evangelists. 



PREFACE 

TO THE FIRST ENGLISH EDITION. 



After the writings contained in the Neio Testament were selected from the 
^numerous Gospels and Epistles then in existence, what became of the 
books that were rejected by the compilers ? 

This question naturally occurs on every investigation as to the period 
when, and the persons by whom, the New Testament was formed. It 
has been supposed by many that the volume was compiled by the first 
Council of Nice, which was held early in the fourth century, according 
to Jortin,* originated thus : 

Alexander, Bishop of Alexandria, and Arius, who was a Presbyter in 
his diocese, disputed together about the nature of Christ ; and the Bishop 
being displeased at the notions of Arius, v and finding that they were 
adopted by other persons, " was very angry." He commanded Arius to 
come over to his sentiments, and to qu/t his own : as if a man could change 
his opinions as easily as he can change his coat ! He then called a council 
of war, consisting of near a hundred 'Bishops, and deposed, excommunica- 
ted, and anathematized Arius, and with him several ecclessiastics, two of 
whom were Bishops. Alexander then wrote a circular to all Bishops, in 
which. he represents Arius and his partisans as Heretics, Apostates, 
Blasphemous enemies of God, full of impudence and impiety, Forerunners 
of Antichrist, Imitators of Judas, and men whom it was not lawful to salute 
or to bid God speed. There is no reason to doubt of the probity and sin- 
cerity of those who oppposed Alexander and the Nicene Fathers ; for what 
did they get by it beside obloquy and banishment ? Many good men were 
engaged on both sides of the controversy. So it was in the fourth century, 
and so it hath been ever since. Eusebius of Nicomedia, and Eusebius 
the historian, endeavoured to pacify Alexander, and to persuade him to 
make up the quarrel ; and Constantine sent a letter by the illustrious 
Hosius of Corduba to Alexander and Arius, in which he reprimanded 

* Rem. on Eccl. Hist. vol. ii. p. 177 



VI PREFACE TO THE 

them both for disturbing the Church with their insignificant disputes. 
But the affair was gone too far to be thus composed, and Socrates repre- 
sents both sides as equally contentious and refractory. To settle this and 
other points, the Nicene Council was summoned, consisting of about three 
hundred and eighteen Bishops, — a mystical number on which many 
profound remarks have been made.* The first thing they did was to 
quarrel, and to express their resentments, and to present accusations to 
the ICmperor against one another. So say Socrates, Sozomen, and Rufi- 
nus. Theodoret favours his brethren in this affair, and seems to throw 
the fault upon the laity, But the whole story, as it is related by them 
all, and even by Theodoret, shows that the Bishops accused one another. 
The Emperor burnt all their libels, and exhorted them to peace and 
unity ; so that if they had not been restrained by his authority, and by 
fear and respect, they would probably have spent their time in alterca- 
tions. 

This Council of Nice is one of the most famous and interesting events 
presented to us in Ecclesiastical history ; and yet, what is most surpris- 
ing, scarcely any portion of the History of the Church has been unfolded 
with such negligence, or rather passed over with such rapidity. The an- 
cient writers are neither agreed with respect to the time or place in which 
it was assembled, the number of those who sat in council, nor the Bishop 
who presided In it. No authentic acts of its famous sentence have been 

* " For the Scripture says, that Abraham circumcised three hundred and eighteen men 
of his house. But what, therefore, was the mystery that was made known unto him? 
Mark first the eighteen, and next the three hundred. For the numeral letters of ten and 
eight are I H ; and these denote Jesus. And because the Cross was that by which we 
were to find grace ; therefore he adds three hundred ; the note of which is T (the figure 
of his cross). Wherefore by two letters, he signified Jesus, and by the third his cross." — 
Barnabas , viii. 11, 12, 13. 

The Jews had a piece of cabalism, or allegory, upon the number of Abraham's servants* 
(Genesis, xiv. 14.) viz. three hundred and eighteen ; not much unlike that of Barnabas. 
The name of Eliezer, Abraham's steward, according to the value of the Hebrew letters 
which compose it, makes three hundred and eighteen, thus : 





& 


1 




5 


30 


*toijHi 


i 


10 


Eliezer. 


5> 


70 




t 


7 




1 


200 



318 

Now, say the Jews, the numeral letters of ta )t3>^&» Eliezer, making 318, the number of 
servants which Abraham armed, we learn hence, that Abraham did the business, and got 
the victory with Eliezer alone, who was equal to all of them, and that he left the rest at 
home, because either sins or fears made them unfit to go. — Rivet, on Clem. Alex, ExerciU 
lxxv., in Gen. xiv. 



FIRST EDITION. VII 

committed to writing ; or at least none have been transmitted to our time.* 
Although it is uncertain whether the books of the New Testament were 
declared canonical by the Nicene Council, or by some other, or when or 
by whom they were collected into a volume, it is certainf that they were 
considered genuine and authentic, with a few variations of opinion as to 
some of them, by the most early Christian writers ; and that they were 
selected from various other Gospels and Epistles, the titles of which are 
mentioned in the works of the Fathers and early historians of the Church. J 
The books that exist of those not included in the Canon, are carefully 
brought together into the present volume. They naturally assume the 
title of the Apocryphal New Testament ; and he who possesses this and 
the New' Testament, has, in the two volumes, a collection of all the his- 
torical records relative to Christ and his Apostles, now in existence, and 
considered sacred by Christians^ during the first four centuries after his 
birth. 

In a Complete || Collection of the Apocryphal writings, the Apostles' 
Creed is necessarily included ; and as necessarily given, as it stood in the 
fourth and until after the sixth century, (from Mr. Justice Bailey's edi- 
tion of the Common Prayer Book,) without the article of Christ's Descent 
into Hell — an interpolation concerning which the author of the Preface 
to the Catalogue of the MSS. of the King's Library thus expresses him- 
self: "I wish that the insertion of the article of Christ's Descent into 
Hell into the Apostle's Creed could be as well accounted for as the insert 
tion of the said verse (I John, V. 71F) The best that can be said for it is, 

* Mosheim, Eccl. Hist. c. v. § 12. f See Table II. at end of this work. 
X See Table I. at end. 

§ Of course the Ebionites, and various other Sects, denominated heretics by the fathers 
and Councils, are included in the denomination of Christians. 

|| As the title expresses, every Apocryphal Writing, attributed during the first four cen- 
turies to Jesus Christ and his Apostles, and their companions, is given in this volume 
There were many Gospels and Epistles fabricated in the latter ages ; the notoriety of the 
forgery has of course excluded them. 

V Catalogue of MSS. of the king's library, by David Casley, 4to. in Pref. p. xxiv. For 
large particulars of Chrisfs Descent into Hell, see the Gospel of Nicodemus, chap. xiii. 
to xx. 

The verse above alluded to by Mr. Casley is 1 John, v. 7. This spurious passage, in 
the authorised version of the New Testament, printed by the Universities of Oxford and 
Cambridge and the King's printers, and appointed to be read in churches, stands thus : — 
" For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the Holy 
Ghost ; and these three are one:'. This verse, Mr. Casley says, is now generally given 
up ; being in no Greek MS., save one at Berlin, which is discovered to have been tran- 
scribed from the printed Biblia Complutensia ; and another modern one at Dublin, proba- 



vni PREFACE TO THE 

that it might possibly have come in, in like manner, not long before, from 
a gloss or paraphrase, that was at first put into the margin or between the 
lines." 

bly translated or corrected from the Latin Vulgate. It is conjectured that it may have 
been inserted by the mistake of a Latin copyist: for the owners of MSS. often wrote 
glosses or paraphrases of particular passages between the lines, and ignorant transcribers 
sometimes mistook these notes for interlined omissions by the original scribes, and accord- 
ingly in re-copying the MSS. incorporated these glosses or paraphrases into the body of 
the text. For instance, Jerome, in one of his letters, says that an explanatory note which 
he himself had made in the margin of his Psalter had been incorporated by some transcri- 
ber into the text ; and Dr. Bentley, in the 96th page of his Epistle, annexed to Malala'a 
Chronicle, has proved T,ivd opog earlv w rrt Apafila, in Galatians, IV. 25. to be of the same 
stamp.* 

It is scarcely necessary to tell the reader, that in 1516 and 1519, Erasmus published 
his first and second editions of the Greek Testaments, both which omitted the three heav- 
enly witnesses. That having promised to insert them in his text, if they were found in a 
single Greek MS., he was soon informed of the existence of such a MS. in England, and 
consequently inserted 1 John, V. 7, in his third edition, 1522. That this MS., after a 
profound sleep of two centuries, has at last been found in the library of Trinity College, 
Dublin. That the Complutensian edition, which was not published till 1522, though it pro- 
fesses to be printed in 1514, has the seventh and eighth verses patched up from the modern 
Latin MS., and the final clause of the eighth verse, which is omitted in its # proper place, 
transferred to the end of the seventh. That Colinseus, in 1534, omitted the verse on the 
faith of MSS. That R. Stephens, in his famous edition of 1550, inserted the verse, and 
marked the words hv ran ovpavau as wanting in seven MSS. That Beza, suspecting no 
mistake, concluded that these seven MSS. contained the rest of the seventh verse, and the 
eighth with the words iv ryji yrji.i 

Sir Isaac Newton wrote a Dissertation upon this passage, wherein he gave a clear, 
exact, and comprehensive view of the whole question, and wherein he says, that when the 
adversaries of Erasmus had got the Trinity into his edition, they threw by their MS. as an 
almanack out of date.t 

The text is not contained in any Greek manuscript which was written earlier than the 
fifteenth century. 2. Nor in any Latin manuscript earlier than the ninth century. 3. It 
is not found in any of the ancient versions. 4. It is not cited by any of the Greek eccle- 
siastical writers, though to prove the doctrine of the Trinity, they have cited the words 
both before and after this. 5. It is not cited by any of the early Latin Fathers, even when 
the subjects upon which they treat would naturally have led them to appeal to its authori- 
ty. 6. It is first cited by Vigilius Tapsensis, a Latin writer of no credit, in the latter 
end of the fifth century, and by him it is suspected to have been forged. 7. It has been 
omitted as spurious in many editions of the New Testament since the reformation : — in 
the two first of Erasmus, in those of Aldus, Colinaeus, Zwinglius, and lately of Griesbach. 
8. It was omitted by Luther in his German version. In the old English Bibles of Hen- 
ry VIII. , Edward VI., and Elizabeth, it was printed in small types, or included in brack- 
ets : but between the years 1566 and 1580, it began to be printed as it now stands ; by 

* Cat. King's Libr. Pref, p. xxi. | Porson's Letters to Travis. — Pre/. 

% Sii J Newtoni Opera a Horsley, 4to. 1785, vol. v. p. 549. Bishop Horsley, in his edition of Sir Isaac 
Newton's works, has not included several MSS. on theological subjects, for the reason which perhaps 
induce the Nobleman in whose possession they remain, to withhold them still from publication. His Lord- 
ship's judgment in this respect is said to be influenced by a prelate whose notions do not accord either with 
the philosopher's opinions or criticisms. They are fairly transcribed, in Sir Isaac's own hand-writing, ready 
for the press. It is to be regretted that the production of his luminous mind should be suppressed by a cea 
torahip, however respectable. 



FIRST EDITION. IX 

By the publication of the Apocrypha to the New Testament, the Editor 
conceives he has rendered an acceptable service to the Theological Stu- 

whose authority is not known. See Travis's Letters to Gibbon, and Porson's to Travis. 
Also Griesbach's excellent Dissertation on the Text at the end of the second volume. 
Archbishop Newcome omits the text, and the Bishop of Lincoln expresses his conviction 
that it is spurious. (Elem. of Theol. vol. ii. p. 90, note.)* 

In a sumptuous Latin MS. of the Bible, written so late as in the thirteenth century, 
formerly belonging to the Capuchin Convent at Montpelier, afterwards in the possession 
of Harley, Earl of Oxford, and now deposited in the British Museum, the verse of the 
three heavenly witnesses is wanting, as appears by the following literal extract from it. 

J^fc est quf uenft per aquam X sangutnem. f|)e r#e. $on vn aq solum, seti in 
aqua £ satiflufnen £ spu. sje est qui testfttcatur. quonfam rpe est betftas. 
Ouionfam tres sunt, quf testimonium trant in ttau &pz. aqua. X sanjjufs. 22t 
ttea ununt suut.t 

The following Greek and Latin authors have not quoted the text :$ 

Greek Authors : — Irenaeus — Clemens Alexandrinus — Dionysius Alexandrinus, (or 
the writer against Paul of Samosata under his name) — Athanasius — The Synopsis of 
Scripture — The Synod of Sardica — Epiphanius — Basil — Alexander of Alexandria — Gre- 
gory Nyssen — Gregory Nazianzen, with his two commentators, Elias Cretensis and 
Nicetas — Didymus de Spiritu Sancto — Chrysostome — an author under his name d'e sane 
ta et consubstantiali Trinitate — Caesarius — Proclus — The Council of Nice, as it is repre- 
sented by Gelasius Cyzicenus — Hyppolytus — Andrias — Six catenae quoted by Simon — 
The marginal scholia of three MSS. — Hesychius — John Damascenus — Oecumenius — Eu- 
thymius Zigabenus. 

Latin Authors : — The author de Baptismo Haereticorum, among Cyprian's works — 
Novatian — Hilary- — Lucifer Calazitanus — Jerome — Augustine — Ambrose — Faustinus — 
Leo Magnus — The author de Promissis — Eucherius — Facundus — Cerealis — Rusticus — 
Bede — Gregory — Philastrius — Paschasius — Arnobius jun. — Pope Eusebius. 

It is evident that if the text of the heavenly witnesses had been known from the begin- 
ning of Christianity, the ancients would have eagerly seized it, inserted it in their creeds, 
quoted it repeatedly against the heretics, and selected it for the brightest ornament of every 
book that they wrote upon the subject of the Trinity. In short, if this verse be really 
genuine, notwithstanding its absence from all the Greek MSS. except two ; one of which 
awkwardly translates the verse from the Latin, and the other transcribes it from a printed 
book ; notwithstanding its absence from all the versions except the vulgate ; and even 
from many of the best and oldest MSS. of the vulgate ; notwithstanding all the deep and 
dead silence of all the Greek writers down to the thirteenth, and most of the Latins down 
to the middle of the eighth century ; if, in spite of all these objections, it be still genuine, 
no part of Scripture whatsoever can be proved either spurious or genuine ; and Satan has 
been permitted for many centuries, miraculously to banish the finest passage in ihe New 
Testament from the eyes and memories of almost all the Christian authors, translators, 
and transcribers.^ 

Sir Isaac Newton observes, that " what the the Latins have done to this text, (1 John, 
V. 7.) the Greeks have done to that of St. Paul, (Timothy, III. 16.) For by changing 
6 into 0, the abbreviation of Beds, they now read, Great is the mystery of godliness : God 
manifested in the flesh : whereas all the churches for the first four or five hundred years, 
and the authors of all the ancient versions, Jerome, as well as the rest, read, Great is 
the mystery of godliness, which was manifested in the flesh." Sir Isaac gives a list ot 

* Improved version of the New Testament, 1608 | Harl. Coll. MSS. Cod. 4773. 
% Porsons Letters to Travis, p. 363. § Ibid. p. 402. 



x PREFACE TO THE FIRST EDITION. 

dent, and the Ecclesiastical Antiquary : he has endeavoured to render it 
more gratifying to the reader, and more convenient for reference, by ar- 
ranging the books into chapters, and dividing the chapters into verses, 
after the manner of the Apocrypha to the Old Testament. He has only 
to add, that the lover of Old Literature will here find the obscure but un- 
questionable origin of several remarkable relations in the Golden Legend, 
the Lives of the Saints, and similar productions, concerning the Birth of 
the Virgin, her marriage with Joseph on the budding of his rod, the nati- 
vity of Jesus, the miracles of his Infancy, his labouring with Joseph at the 
carpentry trade, the actions of his followers, and his Descent into Hell. 
Several of the Papal Pageants for the populace, and the Monkish Myste- 
ries performed as Dramas at Chester, Coventry, Newcastle, and in other 
parts of England, are almost verbatim representations of the stories. 
These stories were also introduced into the Grand Mystery of the QUieS 
befi Qi}30Str\C0, which, by order of Francis I. in 1541, was represented 
at Paris, and occupied with a Dramatis Personee of 485 Characters, seve- 
ral days in the performance. 

Many valuable Pictures by the best masters — Prints by the early en- 
gravers, particularly of the Italian and German schools — Wood-cuts in 
early blttck letter? and Block books — and Illuminations of missals and 
monastic MSS. — receive immediate elucidation on referring to the 
APOCRYPHAL NEW TESTAMENT, and are without explanation 
from any other source. 

authors, who, he says, " wrote all of them, in the fourth and fifth centuries for the Deity 
of the Son, and incarnation of God ; and some of them largely, and in several tracts ; 
and yet," he says, " I cannot find that they ever allege this text to prove it, excepting 
that Gregory Nyssen* once urges it, (if the passage crept not into him out of some mar- 
ginal annotation). \In all the times of the hot and lasting Arian controversy, it never 
came into play ; though now those disputes are over, they that read God made manifest 
in the flesh, think it," Sir Isaac says, " one of the most obvious and pertinent texts for 
the business." 

Sir Isaac Newton wrote the * Dissertation' wherein these remarks occur between the 
years 1G90 and 1700, in the form of a letter to a friend. It was imperfectly published 
in 1754 ; but Bishop Horsley printed the whole from an original MS. and in the Bishop's 
edition Sir Isaac says, " If the Ancient Churches, in debating and deciding the great- 
est mysteries of religion, knew nothing of these two texts, I understand not why we 
should be so fond of them now the debates are over. And while it is the character of 
an honest man to be pleased, and of a man of interest to be troubled at the detection of 
frauds, and of both to run into those passions when the detection is made plainest ; " I 
hope," continues Sir Isaac, " this letter will, to one of your integrity, prove so much the 
more acceptable, as it makes a further discovery than you have hitherto met with in 
commentators." 

There are other interpolations and corruptions of passages in the New Testament, but 
the Editor perceives that the few observations he has hastily collected and thrown to- 
gether in this note, have already extended it to undue length, and it must here close. 

* Orat. xi. contra Ennom. 



ORDER OF AIL THE BOOKS OF THE APOCRYPHAL NEW TESTAMENT. 



r 



Names. 



.OjC 



Mary hath — 

Prote vangelion 

I. Infancy 

II. Infancy 

Christ and Abgarus 

Nicodemus 

Apostles' Creed in its 
ancient state 



Apostles' Creed in its 
present state 

Laodiceans 

Paul and Seneca 

Paul and Thecla 

I. Corinthians 

II. Corinthians 

Barnabas 

Ephesians 

Magnesians 

Trallians 

Romans 

Philadeiphians 

Smyrnasans 

Poiycarp 

Philippians 

] . Hernias — Visions 

II. Hermas — Commands 

III. Hermas — Simili- 
tudes 



8 
16 

22 



22 

1 



1 
1 

14 

11 



23 
5 

15 
4 
4 
3 
3 
3 
3 
3 
4 
4 

12 

10 



1 

6 

15 
.31 

32 

33 
52 



53 
54 

55 

57 



67 
86 
90 
104 
109 
111 
113 
115 
119 
121 
123 
127 
133 

ISO 



Authorities. See also the authorities more at large in 
the Notices before each Book. 



In the works of St. Jerome, a Father of 
the Church, who died A. D. 420. 

Postellus brought the MS. from the Le- 
vant, translated it into Latin, and caused it to 
be printed at Zurich, in 1552. 

Received by the Gnostics, a sect of Chris- 
tians in the second Century, and translated 
into English by Mr. Henry Sike, Oriental 
Professor at Cambridge, in 1697. 

Printed by Professor Cotelerius in a note 
to his works of the Apostolic Fathers, from 
a MS. in the King of France's Librarv, No. 
2279, and Bishop of Caesarea, A. D. 315. 

Preserved by Eusebius, one of the Council 
of Nice, in his Ecclessiastical History, Book 
I. chap. 13. 

Published by Professor Grynaeus, in the 
Orthodoxographia, 1555, torn. ii. p. 643. 

Without the articles of Christ's Descent 
into Hell and the Communion of Saints. See 
it thus handed down in Mr. Justice Bailey's 
Edition of the Book of Common Prayer, 8vo. 
1813, p. 9, note : Also in Bingham's Antiqui- 
ties of the Christian Church, folio, 1726. B. 
10. c. 4.s. 12. 

In the Book of Common Prayer of the 
Church of England. 

From ancient MSS. in the Sorbonne and 
the Library of Ioannes a Viridario at Padua. 
See also Poole's Annotations on Col. iv. 16. 
and Harl. MSS. Cod. 1212. 

Jerome ranks Seneca on account of these 
Epistles among the holy writers of the 
Church. They are preserved by Sixtus Se- 
nensis, in his Bibliotheque, p. 89, 90. 

From the Greek MS. in the Bodleian Li- 
brary, copied by Dr. Mills, and transmitted 
to Dr. Grabe, who edited and printed it in his 
Spicilegium. 

These are " The Genuine Epistles of the 
Apostolical Fathers : being, together with the 
Holy Scriptures of the New Testament, a 
complete collection of the most primitive Anti- 
quity for about a hundred and fifty years af- 
ter Christ. Translated and published with 
a large preliminary discourse relating to the 
several Treatises by the most Reverend Father 
in God, William, (Wake) Lord Bishop of 
Lincoln,'* afterwards Lord Archbishop of 
Canterbury. The authorities and proofs ad- 
duced by this erudite and honest prelate wili 
be found in great number in the Introduction 
and Discourses to the Edition of the Arch- 
bishop's Translation of these Epistles pub- 
lished in 1817, by M. Bagster, Paternoster- 
Row. 



Note.— Column 1, contains the proper Names of the Rooks— Col. 2, the No. of Chapters in each— Col. 3, 
the page whereon each Book commences— Co 1 . 4, the Authorities for each briefly stated. 



PREFACE 

TO THE SECOND ENGLISH EDITION, 



Although the Apocryphal New Testament was put out without pie 
tension, or ostentatious announcement, or even solicitude for its fate, yet 
a large Edition has been sold in a few months. The Public demanding 
another, to this second Edition a small fragment of the second Epistle of 
Clement to the Corinthians, accidentally omitted has been added : it forms 
the fifth Chapter of that Epistle. There is, likewise annexed, a Table 
of the years wherein all the Books of the New Testament are stated to 
have been written ; to the < Order of the Books of the Apocryphal New 
Testament,'" the authorities from whence they have been taken are affixed ; 
and, finally, many errors in the numerous scriptural references subjoined 
in the notes to the Epistles, have been corrected. These are the only 
material variations from the first Edition. 

Tt escaped the Editor to notice that the legends of the Koran and the 
Hindoo Mythology are considerably connected with this volume. Many 
of the acts and miracles ascribed to the Indian God, Creeshna, during his 
Incarnation, are precisely the same with those attributed to Christ in his 
Infancy, by the Apocryphal Gospels, and are largely particularized by 
the Rev. Thomas Maurice in his learned History of Hindoostan. 

Reference to <he preceding Preface will leave little doubt that the 
Apocryphal writings formed an interesting portion of the lay, as well as 
the monkish literature of our forefathers. There is a Translation of the 
Gospel of Nicodemus almost coeval with the origin of printing in Eng- 
land ;* and ancient MSS. of the Gospel of the Infancy are still extant in 
the Welsh language under the title of Mabinogi Jesu Grist. 

Concerning any genuineness of any portion of the work, the Editor has 
not offered an opinion, nor is it necessary that he should. The brief notice 

* It was printed, in quarto, first by ©©gnfejn tie CWctOe in 1509, next byjfalm Sfeot 
in 1525, by the same printer subsequently, and several times afterwards. 



Xiv PREFACE TO THE 

at the head of each Gospel directs the reader to its source, and will assist 
him to inquire further, and form an opinion for himself. Yet respecting 
the Epistles, which commence at page 91, and occupy the remaining ' 
two-thirds of the volume, the Editor would call attention to Archbishop 
Wake's testimony. The pious and learned Prelate says, that these 
Epistles* are a full and perfect collection of " all the genuine writings 
that remain to us of the Apostolic Fathers, and carry on the antiquity of 
the Church from the time of the Holy Scriptures of the New Testament 
to about a hundred, and fifty years after Christ ; that except the Holy 
Scriptures, there is nothing remaining of the truly genuine Christian an. 
tiquity more early ;f that they contain all that can with any certainty be 
depended upon of the most Primitive Fathers,^: who had not only the ad- 
vantage of living in the apostolical times, of hearing the holy Apostles, 
and conversing with them, but were most of them persons of a very emi- 
inent character in the church too;§ that we cannot, with any reason 
doubt of what they deliver to us as the Gospel of Christ, but ought to re- 
ceive it, if not with equal veneration, yet but a little less respect than we 
do the Sacred Writings of those who were there masters and instructors ;" 
and " if," says the Archbishop, (who translated these Epistles||), "it shal/ 
be asked how I came to choose the drudgery of a translator, rather than 
the more ingenious part of publishing somewhat of my own composing ? 
It was, in short, this ; because I hoped that such writings as these would 
find a more general and unprejudiced acceptance with all sorts of men, 
than anything that could be written by any one now living." 

As a Literary curiosity, the work has attracted much notice ; as throw- 
ing a light upon the Arts of Design and Engraving, it has already been 
useful to the Painter, and the Collector of Pictures and Prints; and, as 
relating to Theology, it has induced various speculation and inquiry. 

But the Editor has been charged with expressing too little veneration 
for the Councils of the Church. He feels none. It is true that respecting 
the three hundred Bishops assembled at the Council of Nice, the Emperor 
Constantinell says, that what was approved by these Bishops could be no- 
thing less than the determination of God himself; since the Holy Spirit 
residing in such* great and worthy souls, unfolded to them the divine 
will.** Yet Sabinus, the Bishop of Heraclea, affirms, that "excepting 
Constantine himself, and Eusebius Pamphilus, they were a set of illiter- 
ate simple creatures that understood nothing;" and Pappus seems to have 

* Abp. Wake's Apostolical Fathers, Bagster's Edition, 8vo. 1817, Prelim. Disc. p. 106. 
t Abp. Wake's Apostolical Fathers, Bagster's Edition, 8vo. Prelim. Disc. p. 120. % p. 
126. §p. 128. || p. 155. T Socrates Schol. Eccl. Hist. b. i. c. 0. ** Ibid, c, 9. 



SECOND EDITION. XV 

estimated them very low, for in his Synodicon to that Council, he tells us, 
that having " promiscuously put all the books that were referred to the 
Council for determination, under the communion table in a church, they 
besought the Lord that the inspired writings might get upon the table? 
while the spurious ones remained underneath, and that it happened accord- 
ingly." A commentator* on this legend suggests that nothing less than 
such a sight could sanctify that fiery zeal which breathes throughout an 
edict published by Constantine, in which he decrees that all the writings 
of Arius should be burned, and that any person concealing any writing 
composed by him, and not immediately producing it, and committing it to 
the flames, should be punished with death.")" Let us, with the illustrious 
Jortin,^: consider a council called and presided over by this Barbarian 
Founder of the church militant : by what various motives the various 
Bishops may have been influenced ; as by reverence to the Emperor, or 
to his counsellors and favorites, his slaves and eunuchs ; by the fear of 
offending some great prelate, as a Bishop of Rome or of Alexandria, who 
had it in his power to insult, vex, and plague all the Bishops within and 
without his jurisdiction ; by the dread of passing for Heretics, and of being 
calumniated, reviled, hated, anathematized, excommunicated, imprisoned, 
banished, fined, beggared, starved, if they refused to submit ; by compli- 
ance with some active, leading and imperious spirits ; by a deference to 
the majority ; by a love of dictating and domineering, of applause and re- 
spect ; by vanity and ambition ; by a total ignorance of the question in 
debate, or a total indifference about it ; by private friendships ; by enmi- 
ty and resentment ; by old prejudices ; by hopes of gain ; by an indolent 
disposition ; by good nature ; by the fatigue of attending, and a desire to 
be at home ; by the love of peace and quiet ; and a hatred of contention, 
&c.§ Whosoever takes these things into due consideration will not be 

* Mace's N. Test. p. 875. 

t Socrates, Schol. Eccl. Hist. b. i. c. 9. 

X Rem. on Eccl. Hist. vol. ii. p. 177. 

§ These considerations are more or less natural on becoming acquainted with the pro- 
ceedings of every Council, from that of Nice to that of Trent in the year 1545, which, 
Father Paul says, was for divers ends and by divers means, procured and hastened, hin- 
dered and deferred, for two and twenty years ; and, for eighteen years more, was some- 
times assembled and sometimes dissolved. Brent, a Translator of Paul's History of that 
council, says, " it would be infinite to relate the stratagems the Bishops of Rome used 
to divert the council before it began, their postings to and fro, to hinder the proposing of 
those things which they thought would diminish their profit or pull down their pride ; and 
their policies to enthral the prelates, and to procure a majority of voices." 

It is stated by Guicciardini, that, " as the priests were raised step by step to earthly 
power, they cared less and less for religious precepts. Using their spiritual only as an 
instrument of their temporal authority, their business was no more sanctity of life, in- 



XVI PREFACE TO THE SECOND EDITION. 

disposed to pay a blind deference to the authority of General Councils, 
but will rather be inclined to judge that " the Council held by the Apos- 
tles at Jerusalem was the first and the last in which the Holy Spirit may 
be affirmed to have presided."* 

In accommodation to this opinion, the Church of England compels her 
Clergy to subscribe to the following among the thirty-nine i Articles of 
Religion :'f " When General Councils be gathered together (forasmuch 
as they be an assembly of men, whereof all be not governed with the 
Spirit and Will of God) they may err, and sometimes have erred, even in 
things pertaining unto God : wherefore things ordained by them as ne- 
cessary to salvation have neither strength nor authority, unless it may be 
declared that they be taken out of the Holy Scripture." 

After eighteen centuries of bloodshed and cruelties perpetrated in the 
name of Christianity, it is gradually emerging from the mystifying subtle- 
ties of Fathers, Councils, and Hierarchies, and the encumbering edicts oi 
Soldier-kings and Papal decretals. Charmed by the loveliness of its pri- 
mitive simplicity, every sincere human heart will become a temple for 
its habitation, and every man become a priest unto himself. Thus and 
thus only, will be established the Religion of Him, who, having the same 
interest v/ith ourselves in the welfare of mankind, left us, for the" rule of 
our happiness, the sum and substance of His Code of peace and good will : 
Whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do you even so to them. 

By some persons of the multitude, commonly known by the name of 
Christians, and who profess to suppose they do God service by calling 
themselves so, the Editor has been attached with a malignity and fury, 
that would have graced the age of Mary and Elizabeth, when Catholics 
put to death Protestants, and Protestants put to death Catholics, for the 
sake of Him who commanded mankind to love one another. To these as- 
sailants, he owes no explanation ; to the craft of disingenuous criticism, 
he offers no reply ; to the bolt of the Bigot, and the shaft of the Shrine- 
maker, he scarcely condescends the opposition of a smile. 

crease of religion, and love and charity towards their neighbors ; but fomenting wars 
among Christians, and employing all arts and snares to scrape money together ; and 
making new laws against the people. Hence they were no longer respected, although 
by the powerful name of religion they maintained their authority, being helped therein," 
says Guicciardini, " by the faculty which they have of gratifying princes*' — Guicciar- 
dini's Hist. b. iv. 

* Jortin's Rem. on Eccl. Hist. vol. ii. p. 177. t Art xxi. 



THE 



&j)0crg;pl)al Nm> @*0tament. 



The GOSPEL of the BIRTH of MARY. 

[In the primitive ages there was a Gospel extant bearing this name, attributed to St. Matthew, and received 
as genuine and authentic by several of the ancient Christian sects. It is to be found in the works of 
Jerome, a Father of the Church, who flourished in the fourth century, from whence the present trans- 
lation is made. His contemporaries, Epiphanius, Bishop of Salamis, and Austin, also mention a 
Gospel under this title. The ancient copies differed from Jerome's, for from one of them the learned 
Faustus, a native of Britain, who became Bishop of Riez, in Provence, endeavored to prove that Christ 
was not the Son of God till after his baptism ; and that he was not of the house of David and tribe 
of Judah, because, according to the Gospel he cited, the Virgin herself was not of this tribe, but of the 
tribe of Levi ; her father being a priest, of the name of Joachim. It was likewise from this Gospel 
that the sect of Collyridians established the worship and offering of manchet bread and cracknels, 
or fine wafers, as sacrifices to Mary, whom they imagined to have been born of a virgin, as Christ is 
related in the Canonical Gospels to have been born of her. Epiphanius likewise cites a passage 
concerning the death of Zacharias, which is not in Jerome's copy, viz.: "That it was the occasion 
of the death of Zacharias in the temple, that when he had seen a vision, he, through surprise, wns 
willing to disclose it, and his mouth was stopped. That which he saw was at the time of his offering 
incense, and it was a man standing in the form of an ass. When he was gone out, and had a mind to 
speak thus to the people, Woe unto you, whom do ye worship ? he who had appeared to him in the 
temple took away the use of his speech. Afterwards, when he recovered it, and was able to speak, he 
declared this to the Jews, and they stew him. They add (viz. the Gnostics in this book,) that on this 
very account the high priest was appointed by their lawgiver (by God to Moses) to carry little bells, 
that whensoever he went into the temple to sacrifice, he whom they worshipped, hearing the noise of 
the bells, might have time enough to hide himself, and not be caught in that ugly shape and figure." 
The principal part of this Gosuel is contained in the Protevangelion of James, which follows next in 
order, j 



CHAP. 1. 

1 The parentage of Mary. 7 Joachim her father, 
and Anna her mother, go to Jerusalem to the feast 
of the dedication. 7 Issachar the high priest re- 
proaches Joachim for being childless. 

THE blessed and ever glorious Virgin 
Mary, sprung from the royal race 
and family of Da^id, was born in the 
city of Nazareth, and educated in the 
temple of the Lord. 

2 Her father's name was Joachim, and 
her mother's Anna. The family of her 
father was of Galilee" and the city of 
Nazareth. The family of her mother 
was of Bethlehem. 

3 Their lives were plain and right in 
the sight of the Lord, pious and faultless 
before men. For they divided all their 
substance into three parts : 

4 One of which they devoted to the 
temple and officers of the temple ; another 
they distributed among strangers, and 
persons in poor circumstances ; and the 



third they reserved for themselves and 
the uses of their own family. 

5 In this manner they lived for about 
twenty years chastely, in the favour of 
God and the esteem of men, without any 
children. 

6 JBut they vowed, if God should fa- 
vour them with any issue, they would 
devote it to the service of the Lord ; on 
which account they went at every feast 
in the year to the temple of the Lord. a 

7 11 And it came to pass, that when 
the feast of the dedication drew near, 
Joachim, with some others of his tribe, 
went up to Jerusalem, and, at that time, 
Issachar was high priest ; 

8 Who, when he saw Joachim along 
with the rest of his neighbours, bringing 
his offerings, despised both him and" his 
offerings, and asked him, 

9 Why he, who had no children, would 
presume to appear among those who had ? 



a 1 Sam. i. 6, 7, &c. 



An angel appears, and MARY. 



promises Joachim a child. 



Adding, that his offerings could never he 
acceptable to God, who was judged by 
him unworthy to have children ; the 
Scripture having said, Cursed is every 
one who shall not beget a male in Israel. 

10 He further said, that he ought first 
to be free from that curse by begetting 
some issue, and then come with his of- 
ferings into the presence of God. 

1 1 But Joachim being much confound- 
ed with the shame of such reproach, re- 
tired to the shepherds who were with 
the cattle in their pastures ; 

12 For he was not inclined to return 
home, lest his neighbours, who were 
present and heard all this from the high 
priest, should publicly reproach him in 
the same manner. 

CHAP. II. 

1 An angel appears to Joachim, 9 and informs him 
that Anna shall conceive and bring forth a daugh- 
ter, who shall be called Mary, 11 be brought up 
in the temple, 12 and while yet a virgin, in a way 
unparalleled, bring forth the Son of God : 13 gives 
him a sign, 14 and departs. 

BUT when he had been there for 
some time, on a certain day when 
he was alone, the angel of the Lord stood 
by him with a prodigious light, 

2 To whom, being troubled at the ap- 
pearance, the angel who had appeared to 
him, endeavoring to compose him, said : 

3 Be not afraid, Joachim, nor troubled 
at the sight of me, for I am an angel of 
the Lord, sent by him to you, that I might 
inform you that your prayers are heard, 
and your alms ascended in the sight of 
God. b 

4 For he hath surely seen your shame, 
and heard you unjustly reproached for 
not having children ; for God is the 
avenger of sin, and not of nature. 

5 And so when he shuts the womb 
of any person, he does it for this reason, 
that he may in a more wonderful manner 
open it again, and that which is born ap- 
pear to be not the product of lust, but 
the gift of God. 

6 For the first mother of your nation, 
Sarah, was she not barren even till her 
eightieth year ? and yet even in the end 
of her old age brought forth Isaac, in 
whom the promise was made of a bless- 
ing to all nations. 

7 Rachel also, so much in favour with 
God, and beloved so much by holy Jacob, 
continued barren for a long time, yet af- 

b Acts, x. 4. c Gen. xvi. 2, &c. and xviii. 10, &c. 



terwards was the mother of Joseph, who 
was not only governor of Egypt, but de- 
livered many nations from perishing with 
hunger. d 

8 Who, among the judges, was more 
valiant than Sampson, or more holy than 
Samuel? And yet both their mothers 
were barren. e 

9 But if reason will not convince you 
of the truth of my words, that there are 
frequent conceptions in advanced years, 
and that those who were barren have 
brought forth to their great surprise ; 
therefore Anna your wife shall bring 
you a daughter, and you shall call her 
name Mary. 

10 She shall, according to your vow, 
be devoted to the Lord from her infancy, 
and be filled with the Holy Ghost from 
her mother's womb ; f 

11 She shall neither eat nor drink 
anything which is unclean, nor shall her 
conversation be without among the com- 
mon people, but in the temple of the 
Lord ; that so she may not fall under 
any slander or suspicion of what is bad. 

12 So in the process of her years, as 
she shall be in a miraculous manner 
born of one that was barren, so she shall, 
while yet a virgin, in a way unparalleled, 
bring forth the Son of the Most High 
God, who shall be called Jesus, and, ac- 
cording to the signification of his name, 
be the Saviour of all nations.* 

1 3 And this shall be a sign to you of 
the things which I declare, namely, when 
you come to the golden gate of Jerusa- 
lem, you shall there meet your wife 
Anna, who, being very much troubled 
that you returned no sooner, shall then 
rejoice to see you. 

14 When the angel had said this, he 
departed from him. 

CHAP. III. 

1 The angel appears to Anna ; 2 tells her a daughter 
shall be born unto her, 3 devoted to the service 
of the Lord in the temple, 5 who, being a virgin, 
and not knowing man, shall bring forth the Lord, 
6 and gives her a sign thereof. 8 Joachim and 
Anna meet, and rejoice, 10 and praise the Lord. 
11 Anna conceives, and brings forth a daughter 
called Mary. 

AFTERWARDS the angel appeared 
to Anna his wife, saying : Fear 
not, neither think that which you see is 
a spirit ; h 

2 For I am that angel who hath of- 



d Gen. xxx. 1—29, and xli. 1, &c. e Judg. xiii. 2, 
and 1 Sam. i. 6, &c. f Luke, i. 15. g Matt i. 21. 
b Matt. xiv. 26. 



Mary born, and MARY. 

fered up your prayers and alms before 
God, and am now sent to you, that I may 
inform you that a daughter wii] be born 
unto you, who shall be called Mary, and 
shall be blessed above all women.' 

3 She shall be, immediately upon her 
birth, full of the grace of the Lord, and 
shall continue during the three years of 
her weaning in her father's house, and 
afterwards, being devoted to the service 
of the Lord, shall not depart from the 
temple till she arrives to years of discre- 
tion. 

4 In a word, she shall there serve the 
Lord night and day in fasting and prayer, k 
shall abstain from every unclean thing, 
and never know any man ; 

5 But, being an unparalleled instance, 
without any pollution or defilement, and 
a virgin not knowing any man, shall 
bringlorth a son, and a maid shall bring 
forth the Lord, who both by his grace 
and name and works, shall be the Sav- 
iour of the world. 

6 Arise therefore, and go up to Jeru- 
salem, and when you shall come to that 
which is called the golden gate (because 
it is gilt with gold), as a sign of what I 
have told you, you shall meet your hus- 
band, for whose safety you have been 
so much concerned. 

7 When therefore you find these things 
thus accomplished, believe that all the 
rest which I have told you shall also 
undoubtedly be accomplished. 

8 IT According therefore to the com- 
mand of the angel, both of them left the 
places where they were, and when they 
came to the place specified in the angel's 
prediction, they met each other. 

9 Then, rejoicing at each other's vision, 
and being fully satisfied in the promise 
of a child, they gave due thanks to the 
Lord, who exalts the humble. 

10 After having praised the Lord, they 
returned home, and lived in a cheerful 
and assured expectation of the promise 
of God. 

1 1 1T So Anna conceived and brought 
forth a daughter, and, according to the 
angel's command, the parents did call 
her name Mary. 

CHAP. IV. 

1 Mary brought to the temple at three years old. 
6 Ascends the stairs of the temple by miracle. 
8 Her parents sacrifice and return home. 



ministered unto by angels. 



i Luke, i. 28. 



k Luke, ii. 37. 



AND when three years were expired, 
and the time of her weaning com- 
plete, they brought the Virgin to the 
temple of the Lord with offerings. 

2 And there were about the temple, 
according to the fifteen Psalms of De- 
grees, 1 filteen stairs to ascend. 

3 For the temple being built in a 
mountain, the altar of burnt-offerings, 
which was without, could not be come 
near but by stairs. 

4 The parents of the blessed Virgin 
and infant Mary put her upon one of 
these stairs ; 

5 But while they were putting off their 
clothes, in which they had travelled, and 
according to custom putting on some that 
were more neat and clean, 

6 In the mean time the Virgin of the 
Lord in such a manner went up all the 
stairs, without the help of any one to 
lead her or lift her, that any one would 
have judged from hence, that she was of 
perfect age. 

7 Thus the Lord did, in the infancy 
of his Virgin, work this extraordinary 
work, and evidence by this miracle how 
great she was like to be hereafter. 

8 But the parents having offered up 
their sacrifice, according to the custom 
of the law, and perfected their vow, left 
the Virgin with other virgins in the apart- 
ments of the temple, who were to be 
brought up there, and they returned 
home. 

CHAP. V. 

2 Mary ministered unto by angels. 4 The high priest 
orders all virgins of fourteen years old to quit the 
temple and endeavour to be married. 5 Mary re- 
fuses, 6 having vowed her virginity to the Lord. 
7 The high priest commands a meeting of the 
chief persons of Jerusalem, 11 who seek the Lord 
for counsel in the matter. 13 A voice from the 
mercy-9eat. 16 The high priest obeys it by order- 
ing all the unmarried men of the house of David 
to bring their rods to the altar, 17 that his rod 
which should flower, and on which the Spirit of 
God should sit, should betroth the Virgin. 

BUT the Virgin of the Lord, as she 
advanced in years, increased also 
in perfections, and according to the say- 
ing of the Psalmist, her father and mo- 
ther forsook her, but the Lord took care 
of her. 

2 For she every day had the conver- 
sation of angels, and eveiy day received 
visions from God, which preserved her 

1 Those Psalms are from the 120th to the 134th, 
including both. 

3 



A voice from the mercy-seat 



MARY. 



Mary betrothed to Joseph. 



from all sorts of evil, and caused her to 
abound with all good things ; 

3 So that when at length she arrived 
to her fourteenth year, as the wicked 
could not lay anything to her charge 
worthy of reproof, so all good persons, 
who were acquainted with her, admired 
her life and conversation. 

4 At that time the high priest made 
a public order, That all the virgins who 
had public settlements in the temple, and 
were come to this age, should return 
home, and, as they were now of a proper 
maturity, should, according to the custom 
of their country, endeavour to be married. 

5 To which command, though all the 
other virgins readily yielded obedience, 
Mary the Virgin of the Lord alone an- 
swered, that she could not comply with it, 

6 Assigning these reasons, that both 
she and her parents had devoted her to 
the service of the Lord ; and besides, that 
she had vowed virginity to the Lord, 
which vow she was resolved never to 
break through by lying with a man. 

7 The high priest being hereby brought 
into a difficulty, 

8 Seeing he durst neitheffcn the one 
hand dissolve the vow, and disobey the 
Scripture, which says, Vow and pay, m 

9 Nor on the other hand introduce a 
custom to which the people were stran- 
gers, commanded 

10 That at the approaching feast all 
the principal persons both of Jerusalem 
and the neighbouring places should meet 
together, that he might have their advice 
how he had best proceed in so difficult a 
case. 

1 1 When they accordingly met, they 
unanimously agreed to seek the Lord, and 
ask counsel from him on this matter." 

12 And when they were all engaged 
in prayer, the high priest, according to 
the usual way, went to consult God, 

1 3 And immediately there was a voice 
from the ark and the mercy-seat, which 
all present heard, that it must be inquired 
or sought out by a prophecy of Isaiah, 
to whom the Virgin should be given and 
betrothed ; 

14 For Isaiah saith, there shall come 
forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and 
a flower shall spring out of its root, 

15 And the Spirit of the Lord shall 



m Eccles. v. 4, 5, 6 and Psalm Ixxvi. 11. 

n Num. xxvii. 21. compared with Exod. xxviii. 30. 
Lev. viii. 8. Deut. xxxiii. 8. Ezra, ii. 63. Nehem. 
vii. 65. 



rest upon him, the Spirit of Wisdom and 
Understanding, the Spirit of Counsel and 
Might, the Spirit of Knowledge and Pi- 
ety, and the Spirit of the fear of the Lord 
shall fill him. 

16 Then, according to this prophecy, 
he appointed, that all the men of the 
house of David, who were marriageable, 
and not married, should bring their seve- 
ral rods to the altar, 

17 And out of whatsoever person's 
rod after it was brought, a flower should 
bud forth, and on the top of it the Spirit 
of the Lord should sit in the appearance 
of a dove, he should be the man to whom 
the Virgin should be given and be be- 
trothed. 

CHAP. VI. 

1 Joseph draws back his rod. 5 The dove pitches 
on it. 6 He betroths Mary and returns to Beth- 
lehem. 7 Mary returns to her parents' house at 
Galilee. 

AMONG the rest there was a man 
named Joseph, of the house and 
family of David, and a person very far 
advanced in years, who drew back his 
rod, when every one besides presented 
his. 

2 So that when nothing .appeared 
agreeable to the heavenly voice, the 
high priest judged it proper to consult 
God again, 

3 Who answered, that he to whom 
the Virgin was to be betrothed was the- 
only person of those who were brought 
together, who had not brought his rod. 

4 Joseph therefore was betrayed. 

5 For, when he did bring his rod, and 
a dove coming from Heaven pitched 
upon the top of it, every one plainly 
saw, that the Virgin was to be betrothed 
to him : 

6 Accordingly, the usual ceremonies 
of betrothing being over, he returned to 
his own city of Bethlehem, to set his 
house in order, and make the needful 
provisions for the marriage. 

7 But the Virgin of the Lord, Mary, 
with seven other virgins of the same age, 
who had been weaned at the same time, 
and who had been appointed to attend 
her by the priest, returned to her parents' 
house in Galilee. 

CHAP. VII. 

1 The salutation of the Virgin by Gabriel, who ex- 
plains to her that she »hall conceive, without lying 
with a man, while a Virgin, 19 by the Holy Ghost 
coming upon her without the heats of lust. 21 
She submits. 



Angel Gabriel salutes Mary MARY. 



Joseph wishes to put her away. 



NOW at this time of her first coming 
into Galilee, the angel Gabriel was 
sent to her from God, to declare to her 
the conception of our Saviour, and the 
manner and way of her conceiving him. 

2 Accordingly going in to her he fill- 
ed the chamber where she was with a 
prodigious light, and in a most courteous 
manner saluting her, he said, 

3 Hail, Mary ! Virgin of the Lord 
most acceptable ! Oh Virgin full of 

frace ! The Lord is with you, you are 
lessed above all women, you are bless- 
ed above all men, that have been hitherto 
born.° 

4 But the Virgin, who had before been 
well acquainted with the countenances 
of angels, and to whom such light from 
heaven was no uncommon thing, 

5 Was neither terrified with the vision 
of the angel, nor astonished at the great- 
ness of the light, but only troubled about 
the angel's words ; 

6 And began to consider what so ex- 
traordinary a salutation should mean, 
what it did portend, or what sort of end 
it would have.P 

7 To this thought the angel, divinely 
i inspired, replies ; 

8 Fear not, Mary, as though 1 intend- 
ed anything inconsistent with your^has- 
tity in this salutation : 

I 9 For you have found favour with 
the Lord, because you made virginity 
your choice. 

10 Therefore while you are a Virgin, 
you shall conceive without sin, and bring 
forth a son. 

1 1 He shall be great, because he shall 
reign from sea to sea, and from the riv- 
ers even to the ends of the earths 

12 And he shall be called the Son of 
the Highest ; for he who is born in a 
mean state on earth, reigns in an exalted 
one in heaven. 

' 13 And the Lord shall give him the 
i throne of his father David, and he shall 
1 reign over the house of Jacob for ever, 

and of his kingdom there shall be no 

end. 

14 For he is the King of Kings, and 
Lord of Lords, and his throne is for ever 

! and ever. 

15 To this discourse of the angel the 
! Virgin replied, not, as though she were 
I unbelieving, but willing to know the 

manner of it, 

o Luke, i. 28. P Luke, i. 29. q Luke, i. 31, &c. / 



16 She said, How can that be ? For 
seeing, according to my vow, I never 
have Known any man, how can I bear a 
child without the addition of a man's 
seed ? 

17 To this the angel replied and said, 
Think not, Mary, that you shall con- 
ceive in the ordinary way. 

18 For, without lying with a man, 
while a Virgin, you shall conceive ; while 
a Virgin, you shall bring' forth, shall give 
suck : 

19 For the Holy Ghost shall come 
upon you, and the power of the Most 
High shall overshadow you, without any 
of the heats of lust. 

20 So that which shall be born of 
you shall be only holy, because it only 
is conceived without sin, and being born, 
shall be called the Son of God. 

21 Then Mary stretching forth her 
hands, and lifting her eyes to heaven, 
said, Behold the handmaid of the Lord ! 
Let it be unto me according to thy word. r 

CHAP. VIII. 

1 Joseph returns to Galilee to marry the Virgin he 
had betrothed ; 4 perceives she is with child : 5 is 
uneasy ; 7 purposes to put her away privily ; 8 is 
told by the angel of the Lord it is not the work of 
man but the Holy Ghost. 12 Marries her, but 
keeps chaste ; 13 removes with her to Bethlehem, 
15 where she brings forth Christ. 

JOSEPH therefore went from Judaea 
to Galilee, with intention to marry 
the Virgin who was betrothed to him ; 

2 For it was now near three months 
since she she was betrothed to him. 

3 At length it plainly appeared that 
she was with child, and it could not be 
hid from Joseph : 

4 For going to the Virgin in a free 
manner, as one espoused, and talking 
familiarly with her, he perceived her to 
be with child, 

5 And thereupon began to be uneasy 
and doubtful, not knowing what course 
it would be best to take ; 

6 For being a just man, he was not 
willing to expose her, nor defame her by 
the suspicion of being a whore, since he 
was a pious man. 

7 He purposed therefore privately to 
put an end to their agreement, and as 
privately to send her away. 

8 But while he was meditating these 
things, 9 behold the angel of the Lord ap- 



r Luke, i. 38. 



b Matt. i. 20. 
5 



Joseph marries. 



THE PROTEVANGELION. 



Joachim offers. 



peared to him in his sleep, and said, Jo- 
seph, son of David, fear not ; 

9 Be not willing to entertain any sus- 
picion of the Virgin's being guilty of for- 
nication, or to think anything amiss of 
her, neither be afraid to take her to wife ; 

10 For that which is begotten in her, 
and now distresses your mind, is not the 
work of man, but the Holy Ghost. 

1 1 For she of all women is that only 
Virgin who shall bring forth the Son of 
God, and you shall call his name Jesus, 
that is, Saviour; for he will save his 
people from their sins. 

12 Joseph thereupon, according to the 
command of the angel, married the Vir- 



gin, and did not know her, but kept her 
in chastity. 

13 And now the ninth month from 
her conception drew near, when Joseph 
took his wife and what other things 
were necessary to Bethlehem, the city 
from whence he came. 

14 And it came to pass, while they 
were there, the days were fulfilled for 
her bringing forth. 

15 And she brought forth her first- 
born son, as the holy Evangelists have 
taught, even our Lord Jesus Christ, 
who with the Father, Son, and Holy 
Ghost, lives and reigns to everlasting 
ages. 



The PROTEVANGELION ; or, An Historical Account of the 
BIRTH OF CHRIST, and the perpetual VIRGIN MARY 
his Mother, by JAMES the Lesser, Cousin and Brother of 
the Lord Jesus, chief Apostle and first Bishop of the Chris- 
tians in Jerusalem. 

[This Gospel is ascribed to James. The allusions to it in the ancient Fathers are frequent, and their ex- 
pressions indicate that it had obtained a very general credit in the Christian world. The controversies 
founded upon it chiefly relate to the age of Joseph at the birth of Christ, and to his being a widower, 
with children, before his marriage with the Virgin. It seems material to remark, that the legends of 
the latter ages affirm the virginity of Joseph, notwithstanding Epiphanius, Hilary, Chrysostom, Cyril, 
Euthymius, Theophyluct, Oecumenius, and indeed all the Latin Fathers till Ambrose, and the Greek 
Fathers afterwards, maintain the opinions of Joseph's age and family, founded upon their belief in the 
authenticity of this book. It is supposed to have been originally composed in Hebrew. Postellus 
brought the MS. of this Gospel from the Levant, translated it into Latin, and sent it to Oporinus, a 
printer at Basil, where Bibhnnder, a Protestant divine, and the Professor of Divinity at Zurich, caused 
it to be printed in 1552. Postellus asserts, that it was publicly read as Canonical in the Eastern 
Churches, they making no doubt that James was the author of it. It is, nevertheless, considered apo- 
cryphal by some of the most learned divines in the Protestant and Catholic churches.] 



CHAP. I. 

1 Joachim, a rich man, offers to the Lord ; 2 is 
opposed by Reuben the high priest, because he has 
not begotten issue in Israel ; 6 retires into the wil- 
derness and fasts forty days and forty nights. 

IN the history of the twelve tribes of 
Israel we read there was a certain 
person called Joachim, who being very 
rich, made double a offerings to the Lord 
God, having made this resolution; my 
substance shall be for the benefit of the 
whole people, and that I may find mercy 
from the Lord God for the forgiveness of 
sins. 

2 But at a certain great feast of the 

a That is, gave as much more as he was obliged 

to give. 

6 



Lord, when the children of Israel offered 
their gifts, and Joachim also offered his, 
Reuben the high priest opposed him, 
saying, It is not lawful for thee to offer 
thy gifts, seeing thou hast not begot any ' 
issue in Israel. 

3 At this Joachim being concerned \ 
very much, went away to consult the j 
registries of the twelve tribes, to see 
whether he was the only person who 
had begot no issue. 

4 But upon inquiry he found, that all 
the righteous had raised up seed in Is- 
rael : 

5 Then he called to mind the patri- ! 
arch Abraham, how that God in the end 
of his life had given him his son Isaac ; 



Anna mourns 



THE PROTEVANGELION. 



her barrenness. 



upon which he was exceedingly dis- 
tressed, and would not be seen by his 
wife ; 

6 But retired into the wilderness, and 
fixed his tent there, and fasted forty days 
and forty nignts, saying to himself, 

7 I will not go down either to eat or 
drink, till the Lord my God shall look 
down upon me ; but prayer shall be my 
meat and drink. b 

CHAP. II. 

1 Anna, the wife of Joachim, mourns her barrenness ; 
6 is reproached with it by Judith her maid ; 9 sits 
under a laurel tree, and prays to the Lord. 

IN the mean time his wife Anna was 
distressed and perplexed on a double 
account, and said, I will mourn both for 
my widowhood and my barrenness. 

2 Then drew near a great feast of the 
Lord, and Judith her maid said, How 
long will you thus afflict your soul ? 
The feast of the Lord is now come, 
when it is unlawful for any one to 
mourn. 

3 Take therefore this hood which was 
given me by one who makes such things, 
for it is not lit that I, who am a servant, 
should wear it, but it well suits a per- 
son of your greater character. 

4 But Anna replied, Depart from me, 
I am not used to such things ; besides, 
the Lord hath greatly humbled me. 

5 I fear some ill- designing person hath 
given thee this, and thou art come to pol- 
lute me with thy sin. 

6 Then Judith her maid answered, 
What evil shall I wish you, since you 
will not hearken to me ? 

7 I cannot wish you a greater curse 
than you are under, in that God hath 
shut up your womb, that you should 
not be a mother in Israel. 

8 At this Anna was exceedingly trou- 
bled, and having on her wedding gar- 
ment, went about three o'clock in the 
afternoon to walk in her garden. 

9 And she saw a laurel tree, and sat 
under it, and prayed unto the Lord, say- 
ing* 

10 God of my fathers, bless me and 
regard my prayer, as thou didst bless the 
womb of Sarah, and gavest her a son 
Isaac. c 



b In imitation of the forty days' and nights' fast 
of Moses, recorded Exod. xxiv. 18. xxxiv. 28. Deut. 
ix. 9 ; of Elijah, 1 Kings, xix. 8 ; and Christ's, Matt. 
iv. 2. c Gen. xxi. 2. 



CHAP. Ill 

1 A*na, perceiving a sparrow's nest in the laurel, 
bemoans her barrenness. 

AND as she was looking towards 
heaven, she perceived a sparrow's 
nest in the laurel, 

2 And mourning within herself, she 
said, Wo is me: who begat me? and 
what womb did bare me, that I should be 
thus accursed before the children of Is- 
rael, and that they should reproach and 
deride, me in the temple of my God : 
Wo is me, to what can I be compared ? 

3 I am not comparable to the very 
beasts of the earth, for even the beasts of 
the earth are fruitful before thee, O 
Lord ! Wo is me, to what can I be com- 
pared ? 

4 I am not comparable to the brute 
animals, for even the brute animals are 
fruitful before thee, Lord ! Wo is me, 
to what am I comparable ? 

5 I cannot be compared to these wa- 
ters, for even the waters are fruitful be- 
fore thee, O Lord ! Wo is me, to what 
can I be compared ? 

6 I am not comparable to the waves 
of the sea; for these, whether they are 
calm, or in motion, with the fishes which 
are in them, praise thee, Lord ! Wo is 
me, to what can I be compared ? 

7 I am not comparable to the very 
earth, for the earth produces its fruits, 
and praises thee, Lord ! 

CHAP. IV. 

1 An angel appears to Anna, and tells her she shall 
conceive ; 3 two angels appear to her on the same 
errand. 5 Joachim sacrifices. 8 Anna goes to 
meet him, 9 rejoicing that she shall conceive. 

THEN an angel of the Lord stood by 
her, and said, Anna, Anna, the 
Lord hath heard thy prayer ; thou shalt 
conceive and bring forth, and thy pro- 
geny shall be spoken of in all the 
world. 

2 And Anna answered, As the Lord 
my God liveth, whatever I bring forth, 
whether it be male or female, I will de- 
vote it to the Lord my God, and it shall 
minister to him in holy things, during its 
whole life. 

3 And behold there appeared two an- 
gels, saying unto her, Behold Joachim 
thy husband is coming with his shep- 
herds, 

4 For an angel of the Lord hath also 
come down to him, and said, The Lord 



Joachim offers. 



THE PROTEVANGELION. 



Mary born. 



God hath heard thy prayer, make haste 
and go hence, for behold Anna thy wife 
shall conceive. 

5 And Joachim went down and called 
his shepherds, saying, Bring me hither 
ten she-lambs without spot or blemish, 
and they shall be for the Lord my God ; 

6 And bring me twelve calves with- 
out blemish, and the twelve calves shall 
be for the priests and the elders. 

7 Bring me also a hundred goats, and 
the hundred goats, shall be for the whole 
people. 

8 And Joachim went down with the 
shepherds, and Anna stood by the gate, 
and saw Joachim coming with the shep- 
herds, 

9 And she ran, and hanging about his 
neck, said, Now I know mat the Lord 
hath greatly blessed me ; 

10 For behold, I who was a widow 
am no longer a widow, and I who was 
barren shall conceive. 

CHAP. V. 

1 Joachim abides the first day in his house, but sa- 
crifices on the morrow ; 2 consults the plate on the 
priest's forehead, 3 and is without sin. 6 Anna 
brings forth a daughter, 9 whom she calls Mary. 

AND Joachim abode the first day in 
his house, but on the morrow he 
brought his offerings, and said, 

2 If the Lord be propitious to me, let 
the plate which is on the priest's fore- 
head d make it manifest. 

3 And he consulted the plate which 
the priest wore, and saw it, and behold 
sin was not found in him. 

4 And Joachim said, Now I know that 
the Lord is propitious to me, and hath 
taken away all my sins. 

5 And he went down from the tem- 
ple of the Lord justified, and he went to 
his own house. 

6 And when nine months were ful- 
filled to Anna, she brought forth, and 
said to the midwife, What have I brought 
forth ? 

7 And she told her, A girl. 

8 Then Anna said, The Lord hath 
this day magnified my soul ; and she laid 
her in bed. 

9 And when the days of her purifi- 
cation were accomplished, she gave 
suck to the child, and called her name 
Mary. 



d Such an instrument God had appointed the high 
priest to wear for such discoveries. See Exod. xxviii. 
36, &c, and Spencer de Urim et Thummim. 

8 



CHAP. VI. 



1 Mary at nine months old, walks nine steps ; 3 Anna 
keeps her holy ; 4 when she is a year old, Joachim 
makes a great feast ; 7 Anna gives her the breast, 
and sings a song to the Lord. 

AND the child increased in strength 
every day, so that when she was 
nine months old, her mother put her upon 
the ground to try if she could stand ; and 
when she had walked nine steps, she 
came again to her mother's lap. 

2 Then her mother caught her up, 
and said, As the Lord my God liveth, 
thou shalt not walk again on this earth, 
till I bring the into the temple of the 
Lord. 

3 Accordingly she made her chamber 
a holy place, and suffered nothing com- 
mon or unclean to come near her, but 
invited certain undefiled daughters of Is- 
rael, and they drew her aside. 

4 But when the child was a year old, 
Joachim made a great feast, and invited 
the priests, scribes, elders, and all the 
people of Israel ; 

5 And Joachim then made an offering 
of the girl to the chief priests, and they 
blessed her, saying, The God of our fa- 
thers bless this girl, and give her a name 
famous and lasting through all" genera- 
tions. And all the people replied, So be 
it, Amen : 

6 Then Joachim a second time offered 
her to the priests, and they blessed her, 
saying, most high God, regard this 
girl, and bless her with an everlasting 
blessing. 

7 Upon this her mother took her up, 
and gave her the breast, and sung the 
following song to the Lord : e 

8 I will sing a song unto the Lord my 
God, for he hath visited me, and taken 
away from me the reproach of mine en- 
emies, and hath given me the fruit of his 
righteousness, that it may now be told 
to the sons of Reuben, that Anna gives 
suck. 

9 Then she put the child to rest in 
the room which she had consecrated, 
and she went out and ministered unto 
them. 

10 And when the feast was ended, 
they went away rejoicing, and praising 
the God of Israel. 

CHAP. VII. 

3 Mary being three years old, Joachim causes cer- 
tain virgins to light each a lamp, and goes with 

e Compare 1 Sam. ii. 1, &c, with Luke, i. 46. 



Mary fed 



THE PROTEVANGELION. 



by Angels. 



her to the temple. 5 The high priest places her 
on the third step of the altar, and she dances with 
her feet. 

BUT the girl grew, and when she was 
two years old, Joachim said to 
Anna, Let us lead her to the temple of 
the Lord, that we may perform our vow, 
which we have vowed unto the Lord 
God, lest he should be angry with us, 
and our offering be unacceptable. 

2 But Anna said, Let us wait the third 
year, lest she should be at a loss to know 
her father. And Joachim said, Let us 
then wait. 

3 And when the child was three years 
old, Joachim said, Let us invite the 
daughters of the Hebrews, who are un- 
defined, and let them take each a lamp, 
and let them be lighted, that the child 
may not turn back again, and her mind 
be set against the temple of the Lord. 

4 And they did thus till they ascend- 
ed into the temple of the Lord. And the 
high priest received her, and blessed her, 
and said. Mary, the Lord God hath mag- 
nified thy name to all generations, and to 
the very end of time by thee will the 
Lord shew his redemption to the children 
of Israel. 

5 And he placed her upon the third 
step of the altar, and the Lord gave unto 
her grace, and she danced with her feet, 
and all the house of Israel loved her. 

CHAP. VIII. 

2 Mary fed in the temple by angels : 3 when twelve 
years old, the priests consult what to do with her. 
6 The angel of the Lord warns Zacharias to call 
together all the widowers, each bringing a rod. 7 
The people meet by sound of trumpet. 8 Joseph 
throws away his hatchet, and goes to the meeting ; 
11 a dove comes forth from his rod, and alights 
on his head. 32 He is chosen to betroth the Vir- 
gin ; 13 refuses, because he is an old man ; 15 is 
compelled ; 16 takes her home, and goes to mind 
his trade of building. 

AND her parents went away, filled 
with wonder, and praising God, 
because the girl did not return back to 
them. 

2 But Mary continued in the temple, 
as a dove educated there, and received 
her food from the hand of an angel. 

3 And when she was twelve years of 
age, the priests met in council, and said, 
Behold, Mary is twelve years of age ; 
what shall we do with her, for fear lest 
the holy place of the Lord our God should 
be defiled ? 

4 Then replied the priests to Zacha- 
rias the high priest, Do you stand at the 



altar of the Lord, and enter into the holy 
place, and make petitions concerning her, 
and whatsover the Lord shall manifest 
unto you, that do. 

5 Then the high priest entered into 
the Holy of Holies, and taking away 
with him the breast-plate of judgment/ 
made prayers concerning her ; 

6 And behold the angel of the Lord 
came to him, and said, Zacharias, Zacha- 
rias, go forth and call together all the 
widowers among the people, and let 
every one of them bring his rod, and he 
by whom the Lord shall shew a sign, 
shall be the husband of Mary. 

7 And the criers went out through all 
Judaea, and the trumpet of the Lord 
sounded, and all the people ran and met 
together. 

8 IT Joseph also, throwing away his 
hatchet, went out to meet them ; and 
when they were met, they went to the 
high priest, taking every man his rod. 

9 After the high priest had received 
their rods, he went into the temple to 
pray ; 

10 And when he had finished his 
prayer, he took the rods, and went forth 
and distributed them, and there was no 
miracle attended them. 

1 1 The last rod was taken by Joseph, 
and behold, a dove proceeded out of the 
rod, and flew upon the head of Joseph. 

12 And the high priest said, Joseph, 
Thou art the person chosen to take the 
Virgin of the Lord, to keep her for 
him ; 

13 But Joseph refused, saying, I am 
an old man, and have children, but she 
is young, and I fear lest I should appear 
ridiculous in Israel. 

14 Then the high priest replied, Jo- 
seph, Fear the Lord thy God, and re- 
member how God dealt with Dathan, 
Korah, and Abiram,how the earth open- 
ed and swallowed them up, because of 
their contradiction. 

15 Now therefore, Joseph, fear God, 
lest the like things should happen in your 
family. 

16 Joseph then being afraid, took her 
unto his house, and Joseph said unto 
Mary, Behold, I have taken thee from 
the temple of the Lord, and now I will 
leave thee in my house ; I must go to 
mind my trade of building. The Lord 
be with thee. 

f See Exod. xxviii. 22, &c. 



Mary spins 



THE PROTEVANGELION. 



the true purple. 



CHAP. IX. 



1 The priests desire a new veil for the Temple ; 3 
seven virgins cast lots for making different parts 
of it ; 4 the lot to spin the true purple falls to 
Mary. 5 Zacharias, the high priest, becomes 
dumb. 7 Mary takes a pot to draw water, and 
hears a voice; 8 trembles, and begins to work. 
9 An angel appears to her, and salutes her, and 
tells her she shall conceive by the Holy Ghost, 17 
she submits, 19 visits her cousin Elizabeth, 21 
whose child in her womb leaps. 

AND it came to pass, in a council of 
the priests, it was said, Let us make 
a new veil for the Temple of the Lord. 

2 And the high priest -said, Call to- 
gether to me seven undented virgins of 
the tribe of David. 

3 And the servants went and brought 
them into the Temple of the Lord ; and 
the high priest said to them, Cast lots 
before me now, who of you shall spin 
the golden thread, who the blue, who 
the scarlet, who the fine linen, and who 
the true purple. 

4 Then the high priest knew Mary, 
that she was of the tribe of David ; and 
he called her, and the true purple fell to 
her lot to spin, and she went away to 
her own house. 

5 But from that time Zacharias the 
high priest became dumb, and Samuel 
was placed in his room till Zacharias 
spoke again. 

6 But Mary took the true purple, and 
did spin it. 

7 IT And she took a pot, and went out 
to draw water, and heard a voice saying 
unto her, Hail thou who art full of 
grace, s the Lord is still with thee ; thou 
art blessed among women. 

8 And she looked round to the right 
and to the left (to see) whence that voice 
came, and then trembling went into her 
house, and laying down the water-pot, 
she took the purple, and sat down in her 
seat to work it. 

9 And behold the angel of the Lord 
stood by her, and said, Fear not, Mary, 
for thou hast found favour in the sight 
of God. 

10 Which when she heard, she rea- 
soned with herself what that sort of 
salutation meant. 

1 1 And the angel said unto her, The 
Lord is with thee, and thou shalt con- 
ceive. 

12 To which she replied, What ! shall 
I conceive by the living God, and bring 
forth as all other women do ? 



10 



g Luke, i. 28, &c. 



13 But the angel returned answer, 
Not so, Mary, but the Holy Ghost 
shall come upon thee, and the power of 
the Most High shall overshadow thee ; 

14 Wherefore that which shall be 
born of thee shall be holy, and shall be 
called the Son of the Living God, and 
thou shalt call his name Jesus ; for he 
shall save his people from their sins. 

15 And behold thy cousin Elizabeth, 
she also hath conceived a son in her old 
age. 

16 And this now is the sixth month 
with her, who was called barren ; for 
nothing is impossible with God. 

17 And Mary said, Behold the hand- 
maid of the Lord ; let it be unto me ac- 
cording to thy word. 

18 IT And when she had wrought her 
purple, she carried it to the high priest, 
and the high priest blessed her, saying, 
Mary, the Lord God hath magnified thy 
name, and thou shalt be blessed in all 
the ages of the world. 

19 Then Mary, filled with joy, went 
away to her cousin Elizabeth, and 
knocked at the door ; 

20 Which when Elizabeth heard, she 
ran and opened to her, and blessed her, 
and said, Whence is this to me, that the 
mother of my Lord should come unto 
me ? 

21 For lo ! as soon as the voice of 
thy salutation reached my ears, that 
which is in me leaped and blessed thee. 

22 But Mary, being ignorant of all 
those mj^sterious things which the arch- 
angel Gabriel had spoken to her, lifted 
up her eyes, and said, Lord ! what am 
I, that all the generations of the earth 
should call me blessed ? h 

23 But perceiving herself daily to 
grow big, and being afraid, she went 
home, and hid herself from the children 
of Israel ; and was fourteen years old 
when all these things happened. 

CHAP. X. 

1 Joseph returns from building houses, finds the Vir- 
gin grown big, being six months gone with child : 
2 is jealous and troubled ; 8 reproaches her. 10 
£he affirms her innocence. 13 He leaves her; 
16 determines to dismiss her privily ; 17 is warned 
in a dream that Mary is with child by the Holy 
Ghost, 20 and glorifie? God, who hath ihown him 
such favour. 

AND when her sixth month was come, 
Joseph returned from his building 
houses abroad, which was his trade, and 

ii Lake, i. 48. 



Joseph's jealousy 



THE PROTEVANGELION. 



and trial. 



entering into the house, found the Virgin 
grown big. 

2 Then smiting upon his face, he said, 
With what face can I look up to the 
Lord my God ? or what shall I say con- 
cerning this young woman ? 

3 For I received her a Virgin out of 
the temple of the Loid my God, and have 
not preserved her such ! 

4 Who has thus deceived me ? Who 
has committed this evil in my house, and 
seducing the Virgin from me, hath defiled 
her ? 

5 Is not the history of Adam exactly 
accomplished in me ? 

6 For in the very instant of his glory, 
the serpent came and found Eve alone, 
and seduced her. 

7 Just after the same manner it has 
happened to me. 

8 Then Joseph, arising from the 
ground, called her, and said, thou who 
hast been so much favoured by God, w r hy 
hast thou done this ? 

9 Why hast thou debased thy soul, 
who wast educated in the Holy of Ho- 
lies, and received thy food from the hand 
of angels ? 

10 But she, with a flood of tears, re- 
plied, I am innocent, and have known 
no man. 

11 Then said Joseph, How comes it 
to pass you are with child ? 

12 Mary answered, As the Lord my 
God liveth, I know not by what means. 

13 ir Then Joseph was exceedingly 
afraid, and went away from her, consi- 
dering what he should do with her ; and 
he thus reasoned with himself :' 

14 If I conceal her crime, I shall be 
found guilty by the law of the Lord ; 

1 5 And if I discover her to the chil- 
dren of Israel, I fear, lest she being with 
child by an angel, I shall be found to 
betray an innocent person : 

16 What therefore shall I do ? I will 
privily dismiss her. 

17 Then the night was come upon 
him, when behold an angel of the Lord 
appeared to him in a dream, and said, 

18 Be not afraid to take that young 
woman, for that which is within her is 
of the Holy Ghost ; 

19 And she shall bring forth a son, 
and thou ehalt call his name Jesus, for 
he shall save his people from their sins. 

20 Then Joseph arose from his sleep, 

» See Matt. i. 18. 



and glorified the God of Israel, who had 
shown him such favour, and preserved 
the Virgin. 

CHAP. XI. 

1 Annas visits Joseph ; 3 perceives the Virgin big 
with child ; 4 informs the high priest that Joseph 
had privately married her. 8 Joseph and Mary 
brought to trial on the charge. 17 Joseph drink* 
the water of the Lord as nn ordeal, and receiving 
no harm, returns home. 

THEN came Annas the scribe, and 
said to Joseph, Wherefore have 
we not seen you since your return ? 

2 And Joseph replied, Because I was 
weary after my journey, and rested the 
first day. 

3 But Annas turning about, perceived 
the Virgin big with child, 

4 And went away to the priest, and 
told him, Joseph, in whom you placed 
so much confidence, is guilty of a noto- 
rious crime, in that he hath defiled the 
Virgin whom he received out of the 
temple of the Lord, and hath privately 
married her. not discovering it to the 
children of Israel. 

5 Then said the priest, Hath Joseph 
done this ? 

6 Annas replied, If you send any of 
your servants, you will find that she is 
with child. 

7 And the servants went, and found 
it as he said. 

8 Upon this both she and Joseph were 
brought to their trial ; and the priest said 
unto her, Mary, what hast thou done ? 

9 Why hast thou debased thy soul, 
and forgot thy God, seeing thou wast 
brought up in the Holy of Holies, and 
didst receive thy food from the hands of 
angels, and heardest their songs ? 

10 Why hast thou done this ? 

1 1 To which with a flood of tears she 
answered, As the Lord my God liveth, 
I am innocent in his sight, seeing I know 
no man. 

12 Then the priest said to Joseph, 
Why hast thou done this ? 

13 And Joseph answered, As the Lord 
my God liveth, I have not been concerned 
with her. 

14 But the priest said, Lie not, but 
declare the truth; thou hast privately 
married her, and not discovered it to the 
children of Israel, and humbled thyself 
under the mighty hand (of God), that 
thy seed might be blessed. 

15 And Joseph was silent. 

16 Then said the priest (to Joseph), 

11 



Joseph beholds 



THE PROTEVANGELION. 



great wonders. 



You must restore to the temple of the 
Lord the Virgin which you took thence. 

17 But he wept bitterly, and the priest 
added, I will cause you both to drink the 
water of the Lord, k which is for trial, 
and so your iniquity shall be laid open 
before you. 

18 Then the priest took the water, 
and made Joseph drink, and sent him to 
a mountainous place ; 

19 And be returned perfectly well, 
and all the people wondered that his 
guilt was not discovered. 

20 So the* priest said, Since the Lord 
has not made your sins evident, neither 
do I condemn you. 

21 So he sent them away. 

22 Then Joseph took Mary, and went 
to his house, rejoicing and praising the 
God of Israel. 

CHAP. XII. 

1 A decree from Augustus for taxing the Jews. 5 
Joseph puts Mary on an ass, to return to Bethle- 
hem. 6 She looks sorrowful : 7 she laughs. 8 Jo- 
seph inquires the cause of each ; 9 she tells him 
she sees two persons, one mourning and the other 
rejoicing. 10 The delivery being near, he takes 
her from the ass, and places her in a cave. 

AND it came to pass, that there went 
forth a decree 1 from the Emperor 
Augustus, that all the Jews should be 
taxed, who were of Bethlehem in Ju- 
daea: 

2 And Joseph said, I will take care 
that my children be taxed ; but what 
shall I do with this young woman ? 

3 To have her taxed as my wife, I 
am ashamed ; and if I tax her as my 
daughter, all Israel knows she is not my 
daughter. 

4 When the time of the Lord's ap- 
pointment shall come, let him do as 
seems good to him. 

5 And he saddled the ass, and put her 
upon it, and Joseph and Simon followed 
after her, and arrived at Bethlehem within 
three miles. 

6 Then Joseph turning about saw 
Mary sorrowful, and said within him- 
self, Perhaps she is in pain through that 
which is within her. 

7 But when he turned about again, he 
saw her laughing, and said to her, 

8 Mary, how happens it, that I some- 
times see sorrow and sometimes laughter 
and joy in thy countenance ? 

9 And Mary replied to him, I see two 



* Num. v. 18. 

12 



1 Luke, ii. 1. 



people with mine eyes, the one weeping 
and mourning, the other laughing and 
rejoicing. 

1 And he went again across the way, 
and Mary said to Joseph, Take me down 
from the ass, for that which is in me 
presses to come forth. 

1 1 But Joseph replied, Whither shall 
I take thee ? for the place is desert. 

12 Then said Mary again to Joseph, 
Take me down, for that which is within 
me mightily presses me. 

13 And Joseph took her down. 

1 4 And he found there a cave, and 
let her into it. 

CHAP. XIII. 

1 Joseph seeks a Hebrew midwife : 2 perceives the 
fowls stopping in their flight, 3 the working people 
at their food not moving, 8 the sheep standing 
still, 9 the shepherd fixed and immovable, 10 and 
kids with their mouths touching the water, but not 
drinking. 

AND leaving her and his sons in the 
cave, Joseph went forth to seek a 
Hebrew midwife in the village of Beth- 
lehem. 

2 But as I was going (said Joseph), 
I looked up into the air, and I saw the 
clouds astonished, and the fowls, of the 
air stopping in the midst of their flight. 

3 And I looked down towards the 
earth, and saw a table spread, and work- 
ing people sitting around it; but their 
hands were upon the table, and they did 
not move to eat. 

4 They who had meat in their mouths 
did not eat. 

5 They who lifted their hands up to 
their heads did not draw them back : 

6 And they who lifted them up to 
their mouths did not put anything in; 

7 But all their faces were fixed up- 
wards. 

8 And I beheld the sheep dispersed, 
and yet the sheep stood still ; 

9 And the shepherd lifted up his hand 
to smite them, and his hand continued up. 

10 And I looked unto a river, and 
saw the kids with their mouths close to 
the water, and touching it, but they did 
not drink. 

CHAP. XIV. 

1 Joseph finds a midwife. 10 A bright cloud over- 
shadows the cave. 11 A great light in the cave, 
gradually increases until the infant is born. 13 
The midwife goes out, and tells Salome that she 
has seen a Virgin bring forth. 17 Salome doubts 
it; 20 her hand withers; 22 she supplicates the 
Lord ; 28 is cured, 30 but warned not to declare, 
what she had seen. 



Jesus born. Wise men THE PROTEVANGELION. 



come from the East. 



THEN I beheld a woman coming 
down from the mountains, and she 
said to me, Where art thou going, man ? 

2 And I said to her, I go to inquire 
for a Hebrew midwife. 

3 She replied to me, Where is the 
woman that is to be delivered ? 

4 And I answered, In the cave, and 
she is betrothed to me. 

5 Then said the midwife, Is she not 
thy wife ? 

6 Joseph answered, It is Mary, who 
was educated in the Holy of Holies, in 
the house of the Lord, and she fell to 
me by lot, and is not my wife, but has 
conceived by the Holy Ghost. 

7 The midwife said, Is this true ? 

8 He answered, Come and see. 

9 And the midwife went along with 
him, and stood in the cave. 

1 Then a bright cloud overshadowed 
the cave, and the midwife said, This day 
my soul is magnified, for mine eyes have 
6een surprising things, and salvation is 
brought forth to Israel. 

11 But on a sudden the cloud became 
a great light in the cave, so that their 
eyes could not bear it. 

12 But the light gradually decreased, 
until the infant appeared, and sucked the 
breast of his mother Mary. 

13 Then the midwife cried out, and 
said, How glorious a day is this, wherein 
mine eyes have seen this extraordinary 
sight ! 

14 And the midwife went out from 
the cave, and Salome met her. 

15 And the midwife said to her, Sa- 
lome, Salome, I will tell you a most sur- 
prising thing which I saw. 

16 A virgin hath brought forth, which 
is a thing contrary to nature. 

17 To which Salome replied, As the 
Lord my God liv: \ unless I receive 
particular proof of 1'iis matter, I will not 
believe that a virgia hath brought forth. 

18 * Then Salome went in, and the 
midwife said, Mary, shew thyself, for a 
great controversy is risen concerning 
thee. 

19 And Salome received satisfaction. 

20 But her hand was withered, and 
she groaned bitterly, 

21 And said, Wo to me, because of 
mine iniquity; for I have tempted the 
living God, and my hand is ready to 
drop off. 

22 Then Salome made her supplication 
to the Lord, and said, God of my fa- 



thers, remember me, for I am of the seed 
of Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob. 

23 Make me not a reproach among 
the children of Israel, but restore me 
sound to my parents. 

24 For thou well knowest, Lord, 
that I have performed many offices of 
charity in thy name, and have received 
my reward from thee. 

25 Upon this an angel of the Lord 
stood by Salome, and said, The Lord 
God hath heard thy prayer : reach forth 
thy hand to the child, and carry him, and 
by that means thou shalt be restored. 

26 Salome, filled with exceeding joy, 
went to the child, and said, I will touch 
him. 

27 And she purposed to worship him, 
for she said, This is a great king, which 
is born in Israel. 

28 And straightway Salome was cured. 

29 Then the midwife went out of the 
cave, being approved by God. 

30 And lo ! a voice came to Salome, 
Declare not the strange things which 
thou hast seen, till the child come to Je- 
rusalem. 

31 So Salome also departed, approved 
by God. 

CHAP. XV. 

1 Wise men come from the east. 3 Herod alarmed : 
8 desires them, if they find the child, to bring him 
word. 10 They visit the cave, and offer the child 
their treasure ; 11 and being warned in a dream, 
do not return to Herod, but go home another way. 

THEN Joseph was preparing to go 
away, because there arose a great 
disorder in Bethlehem by the coming of 
some wise men from the east, 1 

2 Who said, Where is the king of the 
Jews born ? For we have seen his star 
in the east, and are come to worship him. 

3 When Herod heard this, he was ex- 
ceedingly troubled, and sent messengers 
to the wise men, and to the priests, and 
inquired of them in the town-hall, 

4 And said unto them, Where have 
you it written concerning Christ the 
king, or where should he be born ? 

5 Then they say unto him, In Bethle- 
lehem of Judaea ; for thus it is written : 
And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Ju- 
dah, art not the least among the princes 
of Judah, for out of thee shall come a 
ruler, who shall rule my people Israel. 

6 And having sent away the chief 
priests, he inquired of the wise men in 



1 Matt. ii. 1, &c 



13 



Murder of the infants. THE PROTEVANGELION. 



John escapes. 



the town-hall, and said unto them, What 
sign was it ye saw concerning the king 
that is born ? 

7 They answered him, We saw an 
extraordinary large star shining among 
the stars of heaven, and so out-shined 
all the other stars, as that they became 
not visible, and we knew thereby that a 
great king was born in Israel, and there- 
fore we are come to worship him. 

8 Then said Herod to them, Go and 
make diligent inquiry ; and if ye find the 
child, bring me word again, that I may 
come and worship him also. 

9 So the wise men went forth, and 
behold, the star which they saw in the 
east went before them, till it came and 
stood over the cave where the young 
child was with Mary his mother. 

10 Then they brought forth out of 
their treasures, and offered unto him gold, 
and frankincense, and myrrh. 

1 1 And being warned in a dream by 
an angel, that they should not return to 
Herod through Judsea, they departed into 
their own country by another way. 

CHAP. XVI. 

1 Herod enraged, orders the infants in Bethlehem to 
be slain. 2 Mary puts her infant in an ox-manger. 
3 Elizabeth flees with her son John to the moun- 
tains. 7 A mountain miraculously divides and 
receives them. 9 Herod, incensed at the escape 
of John, causes Zacharias to be murdered at the 
altar. 23 The roofs of the temple rent, the body 
miraculously conveyed, and the blood petrified. 
25 Israel mourns for him. 27 Simeon chosen his 
successor by lot. 

THEN Herod, m perceiving that he was 
mocked by the wise men, and being 
very angry, commanded certain men to 
go and kill all the children that were in 
Bethlehem, from two years old and under. 

2 But Mary, hearing that the children 
were to be killed, being under much fear, 
took the child, and wrapped him up in 
swaddling clothes, and laid him in an 
ox-manger, n because there was no room 
for them in the inn. 

3 Elizabeth also, hearing that her son 
John was about to be searched for, took 
him and went up unto the mountains, 
and looked around for a place to hide 
him; 

4 And there was no secret place to be 
found. 

5 Then she groaned within herself, 
and said, mountain of the Lord, re- 
ceive the mother with the child. 

m Matt. ii. 16. 

* Luke, ii. 7, is alluded to, though misapplied as 
to time. 

14 



6 For Elizabeth could not climb up. 

7 And instantly the mountain was di- 
vided and received them, 

8 And there appeared to them an angel 
of the Lord to preserve them. 

9 IT But Herod made search after John, 
and sent servants to Zacharias, when he 
was (ministering) at the altar, and said 
unto him, Where hast thou hid thy son ? 

10 He replied to them, I am a minister 
of God, and a servant at the altar : how 
should I know where my son is ? 

11 So the servants went back, and 
told Herod the whole; at which he was 
incensed, and said, Is not this son of his 
like to be king in Israel ? 

12 He sent therefore again his servants 
to Zacharias, saying, Tell us the truth, 
where is thy son? for you know that 
your life is in my hand. 

1 3 So the servants went and told him 
all this ; 

14 But Zacharias replied to them, I 
am a martyr for God, and if ye shed my 
blood, the Lord will receive my soul. 

15 Besides, know that ye shed inno- 
cent blood. 

16 However, Zacharias was murdered 
in the entrance of the temple and altar, 
and about the partition ; 

17 But the children of Israel knew 
not when he was killed. 

18 1T Then at the hour of salutation 
the priests went into the temple, but Za- 
charias did not according to custom meet 
them and bless them. 

19 Yet they still continued waiting for 
him to salute them ; 

20 And when they found he did not 
in a long time come, one of them ven- 
tured into the holy place where the altar 
was, and he saw blood lying upon the 
ground congealed ; 

21 When, behold, a voice from heaven 
said, Zacharias ;- murdered, and his 
blood shall not be wiped away until the 
revenger of his blood come. 

22 But when he heard this, he was 
afraid, and went forth and told the priests 
what he had seen and heard ; and they 
all went in, and saw the fact. 

23 Then the roofs of the temple howl- 
ed, and were rent from the top to the 
bottom : 

24 And they could not find the body, 
but only blood made hard like stone. 

25 And they went away, and told the 
people that Zacharias was murdered, and 
all the tribes of Israel heard thereof, and 



Simeon chosen 



I. INFANCY. 



high priest by lot* 



mourned for him, and lamented three 
days. 

o There is a story both in the Jerusalem and Baby- 
lonish Talmud very similar to this. It is cited by 
Dr. Lightfoot, Talmud. Hierosol. in Taanith, fol. 
69; and Talmud. Babyl. in Sankedr., fol. 96. 
11 Rabi Jochanan said, Eighty thousand priests were 
slain for the blood of Zacharias. Rabbi Judas asked 
Rabbi Achan, Where did they kill Zacharias ? Was 
it in the women's court, or in the court of Israel ? 
He answered, Neither in the court of Israel, nor in 
the court of women, but in the court of the priests ; 
and they did not treat his blood in the same manner 
as they were wont to treat the blood of a ram or a 
young goat. For of these it is written, He shall pour 
out his blood, and cover it with dust. But it is writ- 
ten here, The blood is in the midst of her ; she set it 
upon the top of a rock ; she poured it not upon the 
ground. (Ezek. xxiv. 7.) But why was this 1 That 
it might cause fury to come up to take vengeance : 
I have set his blood upon the top of a rock, that it 
should not be covered. They committed seven evils 
that day : they murdered a priest, a prophet, and a 
king ; they shed the blood of the innocent ; they pol- 
luted the court ; that day was the Sabbath, arid the 
day of expiation. When therefore Nebuzaradan 
came there (viz. to Jerusalem,) he saw his blood 
bubbling, and said to them, What meaneth this 1 
They answered, It is the blood of calves, lambs, and 
rams, which we have offered upon the altar. He 
commanded them, that they should bring calves, and 
lambs, and rams, and said, I will try whether this be 
their blood. Accordingly they brought and slew 
them, but the blood (of Zacharias) still bubbled, but 
the blood of these did not bubble. Then he said, 
Declare to me the truth of this matter, or else I will 
comb your flesh with iron combs. Then said they 
to him, He was a priest, a prophet, and judge, who 
prophesied to Israel all these calamities which we 
have suffered from you ; but we arose against him, 



26 Then the priests took counsel to- 
gether concerning a person to succeed 
him. 

27 And Simeon and the other priests 
cast lots, and the lot fell upon Simeon. 

28 For he had been assured by the 
Holy Spirit, that he should not die till 
he had seen Christ come in the flesh.P 

IT I, James, wrote this history in Jeru- 
salem ; and when the disturbance was, 
I retired into a desert place, until the 
death of Herod, And the disturbance 
ceased at Jerusalem. That which re- 
mains is, that I glorify God that he 
hath given me such wisdom to write 
unto you who are spiritual, and who 
love God ; to whom (be ascribed) glory 
and dominion for ever and ever, Amen. 



and slew him. Then said he, I will appease him. 
Then he took the rabbins, and slew them upon his 
(viz. Zachariah's) blood, and he was not yet ap- 
peased. Next he took the young boys from the 
schooisjand yet it bubbled. Then he "brought the 
young priests, and slew them in the same place, and 
yet it still bubbled. So he slew at length ninety-four 
thousand persons upon his blood, and it did not as 
yet cease bubbling. Then he drew near to it, and 
said, O Zacharias, Zacharias, thou hast occasioned 
the death of the chief of thy countrymen : shall I 
slay them all 7 Then the blood ceased, and did 
bubble no more." 
P Luke, ii. 26. 



The First Gospel of the INFANCY of JESUS CHRIST. 

r Mr. Henry Sike, Professor of Oriental Languages at Cambridge, first translated and published this Gospel 
in 1697. It was received by the Gnostics, a sect of Christians in the second century : and several of 
its relations were credited in the following ages by other Christians, viz. Eusebius, Athanasius, Epi- 
phanius, Chrysostom, &c. Sozomen says, he was told by manj T , and he credits the relations, of the 
idols in Egypt falling down on Joseph, and Mary's flight thither with Christ : and of Christ making a 
well to wash his clothes in a sycamore tree, from whence balsam afterwards proceeded. These stories 
are from this Gospel. Chemnitius, out of Stipulensis, who had it from Peter Martyr, Bishop of Alex- 
andria, in the third century, says, that the place in Egypt where Christ was banished is now called 
Matarea, about ten miles beyond Cairo ; that the inhabitants constantly burn a lamp in remembrance 
of it ; and that there is a garden of trees yielding a balsam, which were planted by Christ when a boy. 
M. La Crose cites a synod at Angamala, in the mountains of Malabar, A. D. 1599, which condemns 
this Gospel as commonly read by the Nestorians in that country. Ahmed Ibn Idris, a Mahometan di- 
vine, says, it was used by some Christians in common with the other four Gospels ; and Ocobius de 
Castro mentions a Gospel of Thomas, which he says, he saw and had translated to him by an Arme- 
nian Archbishop at Amsterdam, that was read in very many churches of Asia and Africa as the only 
rule of their faith. Fabricus takes it to be this Gospel. It has been supposed, that Mahomet and his 
coadjutors used it in compiling the Koran. There are several stories believed of Christ, proceeding 
from this Gospel : as that which Mr. Sike relates out of La Brosse's Persic Lexicon, that Christ prac- 
tised the trade of a dyer, and his working a miracle with the colors ; from whence the Persian dyers 
honor him as their patron, and call a dye-house the shop of Christ. Sir John Chardin mentions Per- 
sian legends concerning Christ's dispute with his schoolmaster about his A B C ; and his lengthening 
the cedar board which Joseph sawed too short.J 



15 



Birth of Christ. 



I. INFANCY. 



His circumcision* 



CHAP. I. 



1 Caiphas relates, that Jesus when in his cradle, in- 
formed his mothei that he was the Son of God. 5 
Joseph and Mar)' going to Bethlehem to he taxed, 
Mary's time of bringing forth arrives, and she goes 
into a cave. 8 Joseph fetches in a Hebrew wo- 
man. 10 The cave filled with great lights : 11 the 
infant born ; 17 cures the woman ; 19 arrival of 
the shepherds. 

THE following accounts we found in 
the book of Joseph the high priest, 
called by some Caiphas. 

2 He relates, that Jesus spake even 
when he was in his cradle, and said to 
his mother : 

3 Mary, I am Jesus the Son of God, 
that Word, which thou didst bring forth 
according to the declaration of the angel 
Gabriel to thee, and my Father hath sent 
me for the salvation of the world. 

4 1T In the three hundred and ninth 
year of the sera of Alexander, Augustus 
published a decree, that all persons 
should go to be taxed in their own 
country. 

5 Joseph therefore arose, and with 
Mary his spouse he went to Jerusalem, 
and then came to Bethlehem, that he and 
his family might be taxed in the city of 
his fathers. 

6 And when they came by the cave, 
Mary confessed to Joseph, that her time 
of bringing forth was come, and she 
could not go on to the city, and said, 
Let us go into this cave. 

7 At that time the sun was very near 
going down. 

8 But Joseph hastened away, that he 
might fetch her a midwife ; and when 
he saw an old Hebrew woman, who was 
of Jerusalem, he said to her, Pray come 
hither, good woman, and go into that 
cave, and you will there see a woman 
just ready to bring forth. 

9 It was after sunset, when the old 
woman and Joseph with her reached the 
cave, and they both went into it. 

10 And behold, it was filled with 
lights, greater than the light of lamps 
and candles, and greater than the light of 
the sun itself. 

1 1 The infant was then wrapped up 
in swaddling clothes, and sucking the 
breasts of his mother St. Mary. 

12 When they saw this light, they 
were surprised; the old woman asked 
St. Mary, Art thou the mother of this 
child ? 

13 St. Mary replied, she was. 

14 On which the old woman said, 

16 



Thou art very different from all other 
women. 

15 St. Mary answered, As there is not 
any child like to my son, so neither is 
there any woman like to his mother. 

16 The old woman answered, and 
said, my Lady, I am come hither, that 
I may obtain an everlasting reward. 

17 Then our Lady St. Mary said to 
her, Lay thy hands upon the infant ; 
which, when she had done, she became 
whole. 

18 And as she was going forth, she 
said, From henceforth all the days of 
my life, I will attend upon and be a ser- 
vant of this infant. 

19 After this, when the shepherds 
came, and had made a fire, and they 
were exceedingly rejoicing, the heavenly 
host appeared to them, praising and ador- 
ing the supreme God. 

20 And as the shepherds were engaged 
in the same employment, the cave at 
that time seemed like a glorious temple, 
because both the tongues of angels and 
men united to adore and magnify God, 
on account of the birth of the Lord 
Christ. 

2 1 But when the old Hebrew woman 
saw all these evident miracles, she gave 
praises to God, and said^ T thank thee, 

God, thou God of Israel, for that mine 
eyes have seen the birth of the Saviour 
of the world. 

CHAP. II. 

1 The child chcumcised in the cave, 2 and the old 
woman preserving his foreskin or navel-string in a 
box of spikenard, Mary afterwards anoints Christ 
with it. 5 Christ brought to the temple ; 6 shines ; 
7 angels stand around him adoring. 8 Simeon 
praises Christ. 

AND when the time of his circumci- 
sion was come : namely, the eighth 
day, on which law commanded the child 
to be circumcised ; they circumcised him 
in the cave. 

2 And the old Hebrew woman took 
the foreskin (others say she took the 
navel-string,) and preserved it in an ala- 
baster box of old oil of spikenard. 

3 And she had a son who was a 
druggist, to whom she said, Take heed 
thou sell not this alabaster box of spike- 
nard ointment, although thou shouldest 
be offered three hundred pence for it. 

4 Now this is that alabaster box which 
Mary the sinner procured, and poured 
forth the ointment out of it upon the 
head and the feet of our Lord Jesus 



Christ brought to the temple. I. INFANCY. 



The flight to Egypt. 



Christ, and wiped them off with the hairs 
of her head. 

5 Then after ten days they brought 
him to Jerusalem, and on the fortieth 
day from his birth they presented him in 
the temple of the Lord, making the pro- 
per offerings for him, according to the 
requirement of the law of Moses : name- 
ly, that every male which opens the 
womb shall be called holy unto God. 

6 At that time old Simeon saw him 
shining as a pillar of light, when St. Mary 
the virgin, his mother, carried him in 
her arms, and was filled with the great- 
est pleasure at the sight. 

7 And the angels stood around him, 
adoring him, as a king's guards stand 
around him. 

8 Then Simeon going near to St. Mary, 
and stretching forth his hands towards 
her, said to the Lord Christ, Now, my 
Lord, thy servant shall depart in peace, 
according to thy word ; 

9 For mine eyes have seen thy mer- 
cy, which thou hast prepared for the sal- 
vation of all nations ; a light to all peo- 
ple, and the glory of thy people Israel. 

10 Hannah the Prophetess was also 
present, and drawing near, she gave 
praises to God, and celebrated the hap- 
piness of Mary. 

CHAP. III. 

1 The wise men visit Christ. Mary gives them one 
ol his swaddling clothes. 3 An angel appears to 
hem in the form of a star. 4 They return and 
make a fire, and worship the swaddling cloth, and 
put it in the fire where it remains unconsumed. 

AND it came to pass, when the Lord 
Jesus was born at Bethlehem, a 
city of Judaea, in the time of Herod the 
King, the wise men came from the East 
to Jerusalem, according to the prophecy 
of Zoradascht, a and brought with them 
offerings: namely, gold, frankincense, 
and myrrh, and worshipped him, and of- 
fered to him their gifts. 

2 Then the Lady Mary took one of 
his swaddling clothes in which the in- 
fant was wrapped, and gave it to them 
instead of a blessing, which they re- 
ceived from her as a most noble present. 

3 And at the same time there appeared 
to them an angel in the form of that star 
which had before been their guide in 
their journey; the light of which they 
followed till they returned into their own 
country. 

* Zoroaster. 



4 IT On their return their kings and 
princes came to them, inquiring, What 
they had seen and what they had done ? 
What sort of journey and return they 
had ? What company they had on the 
road ? 

5 But they produced the swaddling 
cloth which St. Mary had given to them, 
on account whereof they kept a feast. 

6 And having, according to the cus- 
tom of their country, made a fire, they 
worshipped it. 

7 And casting the swaddling cloth 
into it, the fire took it, and kept it. 

8 And when the fire was put out, 
they took forth the swaddling cloth un- 
hurt, as much as if the fire had not 
touched it. 

9 Then they began to kiss it, and put 
it upon their heads and their eyes, say- 
ing, This is certainly an undoubted truth, 
and it is really surprising that the fire 
could not consume it. 

10 Then they took it, and with the 
greatest respect laid it up among their 
treasures. 

CHAP. IV. 

1 Herod intends to put Christ to death. 3 An angel 
warns Joseph to take the child and his mother into 
Egypt. 6 Consternation on their arrival. 13 The 
idols fall down. 15 Mary washes Christ's swad- 
dling clothes, and hangs them to dry on a post. 16 
A son of the chief priest puts one on his head, and 
being possessed of devils, they leave him. 

NOW Herod perceiving that the wise 
men did delay, and not return to 
him, called together the priests and wise 
men and said, Tell me in what place the 
Christ should be born ? 

2 And when they replied, in Bethle- 
hem, a city of Judaea, he began to con- 
trive in his own mind the death of the 
Lord Jesus Christ. 

3 But an angel of the Lord appeared 
to Joseph in his sleep, and said, Arise, 
take the child and his mother, and go 
into Egypt as soon as the cock crows. 
So he arose, and went. 

4 IT And as he was considering with 
himself about his journey, the morning 
came upon him. 

5 In the length of the journey the girts 
of the saddle broke. 

6 And now he drew near to a great 
city, in which there was an idol, to 
which the other idols and gods of Egypt 
brought their offerings and vows. 

7 And there was by this idol a priest 
ministering to it, who, as often as Satau 

17 



Falling of the idols. 



I. INFANCY. 



Robbers affrighted* 



spake out of that idol, related the things 
he said to the inhabitants of Egypt, and 
those countries. 

8 This priest had a son three years 
old, who was possessed with a great 
multitude of devils, who uttered many 
strange things ; and when the devils 
seized him, walked about naked, with 
his clothes torn, throwing stones at 
those whom he saw. 

9 Near to that idol was the inn of the 
city, into w r hich when Joseph and St. 
Mary were come, and had turned into 
that inn, all the inhabitants of the city 
were astonished. 

10 And all the magistrates and priests 
of the idols assembled before that idol, 
and made inquiry there, saying, What 
means all this consternation and dread, 
which has fallen upon all our coun- 
try ? 

11 The idol answered them, The un- 
known God is come hither, who is truly 
God ; nor is there any one beside him, 
who is worthy of divine worship; for 
he is truly the Son of God. 

12 At the fame of him this country 
trembled, and at his coming it is under 
the present commotion and consternation, 
and we ourselves are affrighted at the 
greatness of his power. 

1 3 And at the same instant this idol 
fell down, and at his fall all the inhab- 
itants of Egypt, besides others, ran to- 
gether. 

14 IT But the son of the priest, when 
his usual disorder came upon him, going 
into the inn, found there Joseph and St. 
Mary, whom all the rest had left behind 
and forsook. 

15 And when the Lady St. Mary had 
washed the swaddling clothes of the Lord 
Christ, and hanged them out to dry upon 
a post, the boy possessed with the devil 
took down one of them, and put it upon 
his head. 

16 And presently the devils began to 
come out of his mouth, and fly away in 
the shapes of crows and serpents. 

17 From that time the boy was healed 
by the power of the Lord Christ, and he 
began to sing praises, and give thanks to 
the Lord who had healed him. 

18 When his father saw him restored 
to his former state of health, he said, My 
son, what has happened to thee, and by 
what means wert thou cured ? 

19 The son answered, When the 
devils seized me, I went into the inn, 

18 



and there found a very handsome woman 
with a boy, whose swaddling clothes she 
had just before washed, and hanged out 
upon a post. 

20 One of these I took, and put it upon 
my head, and immediately the devils left 
me, and fled away. 

21 At this the father exceedingly re- 
joiced, and said, My son, perhaps this 
boy is the son of the living God, who 
made the heavens and the earth. 

22 For as soon as he came among us, 
the idol was broken, and all the gods 
fell down, and were destroyed by a great- 
er power. 

23 Then was fulfilled the prophecy 
which saith, Out of Egypt have I called 
my son 

CHAP. V. 

1 Joseph and Mary leave Egypt. 3 Go to the 
haunts of robbers, 4 who hearing a mighty noise 
as of a great army flee away. 

NOW Joseph and Mary, when they 
heard that the idol was fallen down 
and destroyed, were seized with fear and 
trembling, and said, When we were in 
the land of Israel, Herod, intending to 
kill Jesus, slew for that purpose all the 
infants at Bethlehem, and that neighbor- 
hood. 

2 And there is no doubt but the Egyp- 
tians, if they come to hear that this idol 
is broken and fallen down, will burn us 
with fire. 

3 They went therefore hence to the 
secret places of robbers, who robbed 
travellers, as they pass by, of their car- 
riages and their clothes, and carried them 
away bound. 

4 These thieves upon their coming 
heard a great noise, such as the noise of 
a king with a great army, and many 
horse, and the trumpets sounding, at his 
departure from his own city ; at which 
they were so affrighted, as to leave all 
their booty behind them, and fly away 
in haste. 

5 Upon this the prisoners arose, and 
loosed each other's bonds, and taking 
each man his bags, they went away, 
and saw Joseph and Mary coming to- 
wards them, and inquired, Where is that 
king, the noise of w T hose approach the 
robbers heard, and have left us, so that 
we are now come off safe ? 

6 Joseph answered, He will come 
after us. 



A dumb girl cured. 



I INFANCY. 



A leper cured. 



CHAP. VI. 



1 Mary looks on a woman in whom Snkin had ta- 
ken up his abode and she becomes dispossessed. 5 
Christ kissed by a bride made dumb by sorcerers ; 
cures her; 11 miraculously cures a gentlewoman 
in whom Satan had taken up his abode. 16 
A leprous ffirl cured by the water in which he 
was washed, and becomes the servant of Joseph 
and Mary. 20 The leprous son of a prince's wife 
cured in like manner. 37 His mother offers large 
gift* to Mary, and dismisses her with respect. 

THEN they went into another city, 
where there was a woman pos- 
sessed with a devil, and in whom Satan, 
that cursed rebel, had taken up his 
abode. 

2 One night, when she went to fetch 
water, she could neither endure her 
clothes on, nor to be in any house ; but 
as often as they tied her with chains or 
cords, she brake them, and went out into 
desert places, and sometimes standing 
where roads crossed, and in church- 
yards, would throw stones at men. 

3 When St. Mary saw this woman, 
she pitied her ; whereupon Satan pre- 
sently left her, and fled away in the 
form of a young man, saying, Wo to me, 
because of thee, Mary, and thy son. 

4 So the woman was delivered from 
her torment ; but considering and per- 
ceiving herself naked, she blushed, and 
avoided seeing any man, and having put 
on her clothes, went home, and gave an 
account of her case to her father and re- 
lations, who, as they were the best of 
the city, entertained St. Mary and Joseph 
with the greatest respect. 

5 The next morning having received 
a sufficient supply of provisions for the 
road, they went from them, and about 
the evening of the day arrived at another 
town, where a marriage was then about 
to be solemnized ; but by the arts of Sa- 
tan, and the practices of some sorcerers, 
the bride was become so dumb, that she 
could not so much as open her mouth. 

6 When this dumb bride saw the Lady 
St. Mary entering into the town, and car- 
rying the Lord Christ in her arms, she 
s 1 retched out her hands to the Lord 
Christ, and took him in her arms, and 
closely hugging him, very often kissed 
him, continually moving him, and press- 
ing him to her body. 

7 Straightway the string of her tongue 
was loosed, and her ears were opened, 
and she began to sing praises unto God, 
who had restored her. 

8 So there was great joy among the 
inhabitants of the town that night, w T ho 



thought that God and his angels were 
come down among them. 

9 if In this place they abode three 
days, meeting with the greatest respect, 
and most splendid entertainment ; 

10 And being then furnished by the 
people with provisions for the road, they 
departed and went to another city, in 
which they were inclined to lodge, be- 
cause it was a famous place. 

] I There was in this city a gentle- 
woman, who, as she went* down one 
day to the river to bathe, behold cursed 
Satan leaped upon her in the form of a 
serpent, 

12 And folded himself about her belly, 
and every night lay upon her. 

13 This woman, seeing the Lady St. 
Mary, and the Lord Christ the infant in 
her bosom, asked the Lady St. Mary, 
that she would give her the child to kiss, 
and carry in her arms 

14 When she had consented, and as 
soon as the woman had moved the child, 
Satan left her, and fled away, nor did 
the woman ever afterwards see him. 

1 5 Hereupon all the neighbours prais- 
ed the supreme God, and the woman re- 
warded them with ample beneficence. 

16 On the morrow the same woman 
brought perfumed water to wash the 
Lord Jesus ; and when she had washed 
him, she preserved the water. 

17 And there was a girl there, whose 
body was white with a leprosy, who 
being sprinkled with this water, and 
washed, was instantly cleansed from her 
leprosy. 

18 'the people therefore said, Without 
doubt Joseph and Mary, and that boy, 
are Gods, for they do not look like mor- 
tals. 

19 And when they were making ready 
to go away, the girl, who had been trou- 
bled with the leprosy, came and desired 
they would permit her to go along with 
them: so they consented, and the girl 
went with them till they came to a city, 
in which was the palace of a great king, 
and whose house was not far from the 
inn. 

20 Here they stayed, and when the 
girl went one day to the prince's wife, 
and found her in a sorrowful and mourn- 
ful condition, she asked her the reason 
of her tears. 

21 She replied. Wonder not at my 
groans, for I am under a great misfor- 
tune of which I dare not tell any one 

19 



Leprous infant cured. 



I. INFANCY. 



Witchcraft broken. 



22 But, says the girl, if you will en- 
trust me with your private grievance, 
perhaps I may find you a remedy for it. 

23 Thou therefore, says the prince's 
wife, shall keep the secret, and not dis- 
cover it to any one alive ! 

24 I have been married to this prince, 
who rules as king over large dominions, 
and lived long with him, before he had 
any child by me. 

25 At length I conceived by him, but 
alas ! I brought forth a leprous son ; 
which, when he saw, he would not own 
to be his, but said to me, 

26 Either do thou kill him, or send 
him to some nurse in such a place that 
he may be never heard of ; and now take 
care of yourself ; I will never see you 
more. 

27 So here I pine, lamenting my 
wretched and miserable circumstances. 
Alas, my son ! alas, my husband ! Have 
I discovered it to you ? 

28 The girl replied, I have found a 
remedy for your disease, which I promise 
you, for I also was leprous, but God hath 
cleansed me, even he who is called Jesus, 
the son of the Lady Mary. 

29 The woman inquiring, where that 
God was, whom she spake of, the girl 
answered, He lodges with you here in 
the same house. 

30 But how can this be ? says she : 
where is he ? Behold, replied the girl, 
Joseph and Mary ; and the infant who 
is with them is called Jesus ; and it is he 
who delivered me from my disease and 
torment. 

31 But by what means, says she, 
were you cleansed from your leprosy ? 
Will not you tell me that ? 

32 Why not ? says the girl : I took 
the water with which his body had been 
washed, and poured it upon me, and my 
leprosy vanished. 

33 The prince's wife then arose, and 
entertained them, providing a great feast 
for Joseph among a large company of 
men; 

34 And the next day took perfumed 
water to wash the Lord Jesus, and after- 
wards poured the same water upon her 
eon, whom she had brought with her, 
and her son was instantly cleansed from 
his leprosy. 

35 Then she sang thanks and praises 
unto God, and said, Blessed is the mother 
that bare thee, Jesus ! 

36 Dost thou thus cure men of the 

20 



same nature with thyself, with the water 
with which thy body is washed ? 

37 Then she offered very large gifts 
to the Lady Mary, and sent her away 
with all imaginable respect. 

CHAP. VII. 

1 A man who could not enjoy his wife, freed from 
his disorder. 5 A young man who had been be- 
witched, and turned into a mule, miraculousiy 
cured by Christ being put on his back ; 28 and is 
married to the girl who had been cured of leprosy. 

THEY came afterwards to another 
city, and had a mind to lodge there. 

2 Accordingly they went to a man's 
house, who was newly married, but by 
the influence of sorcerers could not enjoy 
his wife : 

3 But they lodging at his house that 
night, the man was freed of his disorder ; 

4 And when they were preparing early 
in the morning to go forward on their 
journey, the new married person hinder 
ed them, and provided a noble entertain- 
ment for them. 

5 But going forward on the morrow, 
they came to another city, and saw three 
women going from a certain grave with 
great weeping. 

6 When St. Maiy saw them, she 
spake to the girl who was their com- 
panion, saying, Go and inquire of them 
what is the matter with them, and what 
misfortune has befallen them ? 

7 When the girl asked them, they 
made her no answer, but asked her again, 
Who are ye, and where are ye going ? 
For the day is far spent, and night is at 
hand. 

8 We are travellers, saith the girl, and 
are seeking for an inn to lodge at. 

9 They replied, Go along with us, 
and lodge with us. 

10 They then followed them, and 
were introduced into a new house, well 
furnished with all sorts of furniture. 

11 It was now winter time, and the 
girl went into the parlour where these 
women were, and found them weeping 
and lamenting, as before. 

12 By them stood a mule, covered 
over with silk, and an ebony collar hang- 
ing down from his neck, whom they 
kissed, and were feeding. 

1 3 But when the girl said, How hand- 
some, ladies, that mule is ! they replied 
with tears, and said, This mule, which 
you see, was our brother, born of this 
same mother as we ; 



Transformation of 



I. INFANCY. 



a mule to a man* 



14 For when our father died, and left 
us a very large estate, and we had only 
this brother, and we endeavoured to pro- 
cure him a suitable match, and thought 
he should be married as other men, some 
giddy and jealous women bewitched him 
without our knowledge ; 

15 And we, one night, a little before 
day, while the doors of the house were 
all fast shut, saw this our brother was 
changed into a nnile, such as you now 
see him to be : 

16 And we, in the melancholy condi- 
tion in which you now see us, having 
no father to comfort us, have applied to 
all the wise men, magicians, and di- 
viners in the world, but they have been 
of no service to us. 

17 As often therefore as we find our- 
selves oppressed with grief, we rise and 
go with this our mother to our father's 
tomb, where when we have cried suffi- 
ciently, we return home. 

18 When the girl had heard this, she 
said, Take courage, and cease your fears, 
for you have a remedy for your afflictions 
near at hand, even among you, and in the 
midst of your house. 

19 For I was also leprous ; but when 
I saw this woman, and this little infant 
with her, whose name is Jesus, I sprin- 
kled my body with the water with which 
his mother had washed him, and I was 
presently made well. 

20 And 1 am certain that he is also 
capable of relieving you under your dis- 
tress. Wherefore arise, go to my mis- 
tress Mary, and when you have brought 
her into your parlour, disclose to her the 
secret, at the same time earnestly be- 
seeching her to compassionate your case. 

21 As soon as the women had heard 
the girl's discourse, they hastened away 
to the Lady St. Mary, introduced them- 
selves to her, and sitting down before 
her, they wept, 

22 And said, our Lady St. Mary, 

Eity your handmaids, for we have no 
ead of our family, no one elder than us ; 
no father or brother to go in and out be- 
fore us ; 

23 But this mule, which you see, was 
our brother, which some women by 
witchcraft have brought into this condi- 
tion which you see ; we therefore entreat 
you to compassionate us. 

24 Hereupon St. Mary was grieved at 
their case, and taking the Lord Jesus, 
put him upon the back of the mule, 



25 And said to her son, Lord Jesus 
Christ, restore (or heal) according to thy 
extraordinary power this mule, and grant 
him to have again the shape of a man 
and a rational creature, as he had for- 
merly. 

26 This was scarce said by the Lady 
St. Mary, but the mule immediately 
passed into a human form, and became 
a young man without any deformity. 

*27 Then he and his mother and sis- 
ters worshipped the Lady St. Mary, and 
lifting the child upon their heads, they 
kissed him, and said, Blessed is thy 
mother, Jesus, Saviour of the world ! 
Blessed are the eyes which are so happy 
as to see thee. 

28 Then both the sisters told their 
mother, saying, Of a truth our brother is 
restored to his former shape by the help 
of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the kind 
ness of that girl, who toid us of Mary 
and her son. 

29 And inasmuch as our brother is 
unmarried, it is fit that we marry him to 
this girl their servant. 

30 When they had consulted St. Mary 
in this matter, and she had given her 
consent, they made a splendid wedding 
for this girl, 

31 And so their sorrow being turned 
into gladness, and their mourning into 
mirth, they began to rejoice, and make 
merry, and sing, being dressed in their 
richest attire, with bracelets. 

32 Afterwards they glorified and prais- 
ed God, saying, Jesus, son of David, 
who changest sorrow into gladness, and 
mourning into mirth. 

33 After this Joseph and Mary tar- 
ried there ten days, then went away, 
having received great respect from those 
people ; 

34 Who, when they took their leave 
of them, and returned home, cried, 

35 But especially the girl. 

CHAP. VIII 

1 Joseph and Mary pass through a country infested 
by robbers. 3 Titus, a humane thief, offers Du- 
machus, his comrade, forty groats, to let Joseph 
and Mary pass unmolested. 6 Jesus prophecies 
that the thieves Dumachus andTitus shall be cru- 
cified with him, and that Titus shall go before him 
into Paradise. 10 Christ causes a well to spring 
from a sycamore tree, and Mary washes his coat 
in it. 11 A balsam grows there from his sweat. 
12 They go to Memphis, where Christ works more 
miracles. H Return to Judaea. 15 Being warned, 
depart for Nazareth. 

IN their journey from hence they came 
into a desert country, and were told 
21 



The miraculous well. 



I. INFANCY. 



Children healed. 



it was infested with robbers ; so Joseph 
and St. Mary prepared to pass through 
it in the night : 

2 And as they were going along, be- 
hold they saw two robbers asleep in the 
road, and with them a great number of 
robbers, who were their confederates, 
also asleep. 

3 The names of those two were Titus 
and Dumachus ; and Titus said to Du- 
machus, I beseech thee let those persons 
go along quietly, that our company may 
not perceive anything of them. 

4 But Dumachus refusing, Titus again 
said, I will give thee forty groats, and as 
a pledge take my girdle ; which he gave 
him before he had done speaking, that he 
might not open his mouth or make a noise. 

5 When the Lady St. Mary saw the 
kindness which this robber did shew 
them, she said to him, The Lord God 
will receive thee to his right hand, and 
grant thee the pardon of thy sins. 

6 Then the Lord Jesus answered, and 
said to his mother, When thirty years 
are expired, mother, the Jews will 
crucify me at Jerusalem ; 

7 And these two thieves shall be with 
me at the same time upon the cross, Titus 
on my right hand, and Dumachus on my 
left, and from that time Titus shall go 
before me into Paradise. 

8 And when she had said, God forbid 
this should be thy lot, my son, they 
went on to a city, in which were several 
idols ; which, as soon as they came near 
to it, was turned into hills of sand. 

9 IT Hence they went to that sycamore 
tree, which is now called Matarea ; 

10 And in Matarea the Lord Jesus 
caused a well to spring forth, in which 
St. Mary washed his coat. 

11 And a balsam is produced, or 
grows, in that country, from the sweat 
which ran down there from the Lord 
Jesns. 

12 Thence they proceeded to Mem- 
phis, and saw Pharaoh, and abode three 
years in Egypt ; 

13 And the Lord Jesus did very many 
miracles in Egypt, which are neither to 
be found in the Gospel of the Infancy, 
nor in the Go.spel of Perfection. 

14 1i At the end of three years he re- 
turned out of Egypt, and when he came 
near to Judaea, Joseph was afraid to enter; 

15 For hearing that Herod was dead, 
and that Archelaus his son reigned in 
his stead, he was afraid. 

22 



16 And when he went to Judaea, an 
angel of God appeared to him, and said, 
O Joseph, go into the city Nazareth, and 
abide there. 

17 It is strange, indeed, that he, who 
is the Lord of all countries, should be 
thus carried backward and forward 
through so many countries. 

CHAP. IX. 

2 Two sick children cured by water wherein Christ 
was washed. 

WHEN they came afterwards into 
the city of Bethlehem, they found 
there several very desperate distempers, 
which became so troublesome to children 
by seeing them, that most of them died. 

2 There was there a woman who had 
a sick son, whom she brought, when he 
was at the point of death, to the Lady 
St. Mary, who saw her when she was 
washing Jesus Christ. 

3 Then said the woman, my Lady 
Mary, look down upon this my son, who 
is afflicted with most dreadful pains. 

4 St. Mary hearing her, said, Take a 
little of that water with which I have 
washed my son, and sprinkle it upon 
him. 

5 Then she took a little of that water, 
as St. Mary had commanded, and sprin- 
kled it upon her son, who being wearied 
with his violent pains, was fallen asleep ; 
and after he had slept a little, awaked 
perfectly well and recovered. 

6 The mother being abundantly glad 
of this success, went again to St. Mary, 
and St. Mary said to her, Give the praise 
to God, who hath cured this thy son. 

7 There was in the same place another 
woman, a neighbour of her whose son 
was now cured. 

8 This woman's son was afflicted with 
the same disease, and his eyes were now 
almost quite shut, and she was lamenting 
for him day and night. 

9 The mother of the child which was 
cured said to her, Why do you not bring 
your son to St. Mary, as I brought my 
son to her, when he was in the very 
agonies of death, and he was cured by 
the water with which the body of her 
son Jesus was washed ? 

10 When the woman heard her say 
this, she also went, and having procured 
the same water, washed her son with it, 
whereupon his body and his eyes were 
instantly restored to their former state 

1 1 And when she brought her son to 



Caleb and 



I. INFANCY. 



Bartholomew cured. 



St. Mary, and opened his case to her, 
she commanded her to give thanks to 
God for the recovery of her son's health, 
and to tell no one what had happened. 

CHAP. X. 

1 Two wives of one man, each have a son sick. 2 
One of them, named Mary, and whose son's name 
wa3 Caleb, presents the Virgin with a handsome 
carpet, and Caleb is cured ; but the son of the 
other wife dies, 4 which occasions a difference 
between the women. 5 The other wife puts Caleb 
into a hot oven, and he is miraculously preserved : 
9 slip afterwards throws him into a well, and he 
is again preserved. 11 His mother appeals to the 
Virgin against the other wife, 12 whose downfall 
the Virgin prophecies, 13 and who accordingly 
falls into the well, 14 therein fulfi.ling a saying of 
old. 

THERE were in the same city two 
wives of one man, who had each 
a son sick. One of them was called 
Mary, and her son's name was Caleb. 

2 She arose, and taking her son, went 
to the Lady St. Mary, the mother of Je- 
sus, and offered her a very handsome 
carpet, saying, my Lady Mary, accept 
this carpet of me, and instead of it give 
me a small swaddling cloth. 

3 To this Mary agreed ; and when the 
mother of Caleb was gone, she made a 
coat for her son of the swaddling cloth, 
put it on him, and his disease was cured ; 
hut the son of the other wife died. 

4 IT Hereupon there arose between 
them a difference in doing the business 
of the family by turns, each her week ; 

5 And when the turn of Mary the 
mother of Caleb came, and she was heat- 
ing the oven to bake bread, and went 
away to fetch the meal, she left her son 
Caleb by the oven ; 

6 Whom the other wife, her rival, 
seeing to be by himself, took and cast 
into the oven, which was very hot, and 
then went away. 

7 Mary on her return saw her son 
Caleb lying in the middle of the oven 
laughing, and the oven quite as cold as 
though it had not been before heated, 
and knew that her rival, the other wife, 
had thrown him into the fire. 

8 When she took him out, she brought 
him to the Lady St. Mary, and told her 
the story; to whom she replied, Be quiet, 
for I am concerned lest thou shouldst 
make this matter known. 

9 After this her rival, the other wife, 
as she was drawing water at the well, 
and saw Caleb playing by the well, and 
that no one was near, took him, and 
threw him into the well. 



1 And when some men came to fetch 
water from the well, they saw the boy 
sitting on the superficies of the water, 
and drew him out with ropes, and were 
exceedingly surprised at the child, and 
praised God. 

11 Then came the mother, and took 
him and carried him to the Lady St. 
Mary, lamenting and saying, my Lady, 
see what my rival hath done to my son, 
and how she hath cast him into the well, 
and I do not question but one time or 
other she will be the cause of his death. 

12 St. Mary replied to her, God will 
vindicate your injured cause. 

13 Accordingly, a few days after, 
when the other wife came to the well to 
draw water, her foot was entangled in 
the rope, so that she fell headlong into 
the well, and they who ran to her assist- 
ance found her skull broken, and her 
bones bruised. 

14 So she came to a bad end, and in 
her was fulfilled that saying of the au- 
thor, They digged a well, and made it 
deep, but fell themselves into the pit 
which they prepared. 

CHAP. XL 

1 Bartholomew, when a child and sick, miraculously 
restored by being laid on Christ's bed. 

ANOTHER woman in that city had 
likewise two sons sick, 

2 And when one was dead, the other, 
who lay at the point of death, she took 
in her arms to the Lady St. Mary, and 
in a flood of tears addressed herself to 
her, saying, 

3 my Lady, help and relieve me ; 
for I had two sons, the one I have just 
now buried, the other I see is just at the 
point of death : behold how I (earnestly) 
seek favour from God, and pray to him. 

4 Then she said, Lord, thou art 
gracious, and merciful, and kind : thou 
hast given me two sons; one of them 
thou hast taken away, spare me this 
other. 

5 St. Mary then perceiving the great- 
ness of her sorrow, pitied her, and said, 
Do thou place thy son in my son's bed, 
and cover him with his clothes. 

6 And when she had placed him in 
the bed wherein Christ lay, at the mo- 
ment when his eyes were just closed in 
death, as soon as ever the smell of the 
garments of the Lord Jesus Christ reached 
the boy, his eyes were opened, and call- 
ing with a loud voice to his mother, he 

23 



diseases cured by 



I. INFANCY. 



Christ's washing-mater. 



asked for bread, and when he had re- 
ceived it, he sucked it. 

7 Then his mother said, Lady Mary, 
now I am assured that the powers of God 
do dwell in you, so that thy son can cure 
children who are of the same sort as him- 
self, as soon as they touch his garments. 

8 This boy, who was thus cured, is 
the same who in the Gospel is called 
Bartholomew. 

CHAP. XII. 

1 A leprous woman healed by Christ's washing- 
water. 7 A princess healed by it and restored to 
her husband. 

AGAIN, there was a leprous woman, 
who went to the Lady St. Mary, 
the mother of Jesus, and said, my 
Lady, help me. 

2 St. Mary replied, What help dost 
thou desire ? Is it gold or silver, or that 
thy body be cured of its leprosy ? 

3 Who, says the woman, can grant 
me this ? 

4 St. Mary replied to her, Wait a little 
till I have washed my son Jesus, and put 
him to bed. 

5 The woman waited, as she was 
commanded ; and Mary, when she had 
put Jesus in bed, giving her the water 
with which she had washed his body, 
said, Take some of the water, and pour 
it upon thy body. 

6 Which when she had done, she in- 
stantly became clean, and praised God, 
and gave thanks to him. 

7 IT Then went she away, after she 
had abode with her three days ; 

8 And going into the city, she saw a 
certain prince, who had married another 
prince's daughter ; 

< 9 But when he came to see her, he 
perceived between her eyes the signs of 
the leprosy like a star, and thereupon 
declared the marriage dissolved and void. 

10 When the woman saw these per- 
sons in this condition, exceeding sorrow- 
ful, and shedding abundance of tears, 
she inquired of them the reason of their 
crying. 

11 They replied, Inquire not into our 
circumstances, for we are not able to 
declare our misfortunes to any person 
whatsoever. 

12 But she still pressed and desired 
them to communicate their case to her ; 
intimating, that perhaps she might be 
able to direct them to a remedy. 

13 So when they shewed the young 

24 



woman to her, and the signs of the le- 
prosy, which appeared between her eyes, 

14 She said, I also, whom ye see in 
this place, was afflicted with the same 
distemper, and going on some business 
to Bethlehem, I went into a certain cave, 
and saw a woman named Mary, who 
had a son called Jesus. 

15 She seeing me to be leprous, was 
concerned for me, and gave me some 
water with which she had washed her 
son's body; with that I sprinkled my 
body, and became clean. 

16 Then said these women, Will you, 
Mistress, go along with us, and shew 
the Lady St. Mary to us ? 

17 To which she consenting, they 
arose, and went to the Lady St. Mary, 
taking with them very noble presents. 

18 And when they came in, and offer- 
ed their presents to her, they shewed the 
leprous young woman whom they had 
brought with them to her. 

19 Then said St. Mary, The mercy of 
the Lord Jesus Christ rest upon you ; 

20 And giving them a little of that 
water with which she had washed the 
body of Jesus Christ, she bade them wash 
the diseased person with it ; which when 
they had done, she was presently cured. 

21 So they, and all who were present, 
praised God ; and being filled with joy, 
they went back to their own city, and 
gave praises to God on that account. 

22 Then the prince hearing that hia 
wife was cured, took her home, and 
made a second marriage, giving thanks 
unto God for the recovery of his wife's 
health. 

CHAP. XIII. 

1 A girl, whose blood Satan sucked, receives one of 
Christ's swaddling cloths from the Virgin. 14 Sa- 
tnn comes like a dragon, and she shews it to him. 
Flames and burning coals proceed from it and fall 
upon him. 19 He is miraculously discomfited am? 
leaves the girl. 

THERE was also a girl, who was 
afflicted by Satan; 

2 For that cursed spirit did frequently 
appear to her in the snape of a dragon, 
and was inclined to swallow her up, and 
had so sucked out all her blood, that she 
looked like a dead carcase. 

3 As often as she came to herself, 
with her hands wringed about her head, 
she would cry out, and say, Wo, wo is 
me, that there is no one to be found who 
can deliver me from this impious dragon ! 

4 Her father and mother, and all who 



Satan driven 



were about her and saw her, mourned 
and wept over her ; 

5 And all who were present would 
especially be under sorrow and in tears, 
wnen they heard her bewailing and say- 
ing, My brethren and friends, is there 
no one who can deliver me from this 
murderer ? 

6 Then the prince's daughter, who 
had been cured of her leprosy, hearing 
the complaint of that girl, went upon the 
top of her castle, and saw her with her 
hands twisted about her head, pouring 
out a flood of tears, and all the people 
that were about her in sorrow. 

7 She then asked the husband of the 
possessed person, Whether his wife's 
mother was alive ? He told her, That 
her father and mother were both alive. 

8 Then she ordered her mother to be 
sent to her; to whom, when she saw 
her coming, she said, Is this possessed 
girl thy daughter ? She, moaning and 
bewailing, said, Yes, madam, I bore her. 

9 The prince's daughter answered, 
Disclose the secret of her case to me, for 
I confess to you that I was leprous, but 
the Lady Mary, the mother of Jesus 
Christ, healed me. 

10 And if you desire your daughter 
to be restored to her former state, take 
her to Bethlehem, and inquire for Mary 
the mother of Jesus, and doubt not but 
your daughter will be cured ; for I do not 
question but you will come home with 
great joy at your daughter's recovery. 

11 As soon as ever she had done 
speaking, she arose and went with her 
daughter to the place appointed, and to 
Mary, and told her the case of her 
daughter. 

12 When St. Mary had heard her 
story, she gave her a little of the water 
with which she had washed her son Je- 
sus, and bade her pour it upon the body 
of her daughter. 

13 Likewise she gave her one of the 
swaddling cloths of the Lord Jesus, and 
said, Take this swaddling cloth, and 
shew it to thine enemy as often as thou 
seest him ; and she sent them away in 
peace. 

14 IT After they had left the city and 
returned home, and the time was come 
in which Satan was wont to seize her, 
in the same moment this cursed spirit 
appeared to her in the shape of a huge 
dragon, and the girl seeing him was 
afraid 



I. INFANCY. from a girl 

15 The mother said to her, Be not 
afraid, daughter; let him alone till he 
come nearer to thee, then shew him the 
swaddling cloth which the Lady Mary 
gave us, and we shall see the event. 

16 Satan then coming like a dreadful 
dragon, the body of the girl trembled for 
fear. 

17 But as soon as she had put the 
swaddling cloth upon her head and about 
her eyes, and shewed it to him, presently 
there issued forth from the swaddling 
cloth flames and burning coals, and fell 
upon the dragon. 

18 Oh ! how great a miracle was this 
which was done : as soon as the dragon 
saw the swaddling cloth of the Lord Je- 
sus, fire went forth, and was scattered 
upon his head and eyes ; so that he cried 
out with a loud voice, What have I to 
do with thee, Jesus, thou son of Mary ? 
Whither shall I flee from thee ? 

19 So he drew back much affrighted, 
and left the girl. 

20 And she was delivered from this 
trouble, and sang praises and thanks to 
God, and with her all who were present 
at the working of the miracle. 

CHAP. XIV. 

1 Judas, when a boy, possessed by Satan, is brought 
by his parents to Jesus to be cured, 6 whom he 
tries to bite, 7 but failing, strikes Jesus, and makes 
him cry out ; 8 whereupon Satan leaves him in 
the shape of a dog. 

ANOTHER woman likewise lived 
there, whose son was possessed by 
Satan. 

2 This boy, named Judas, as often as 
Satan seized him, was inclined to bite 
all that were present ; and if he found 
no one else near him, he would bite his 
own hands and other parts. 

3 But the mother of this miserable 
boy, hearing of St. Mary and her son 
Jesus, arose presently, and taking her 
son in her arms, brought him to the Lady 
Mary. 

4 In the mean time, James and Joses 
had taken away the infant, the Lord 
Jesus, to play at a proper season with 
other children ; and when they went 
forth, they sat down, and the Lord Jesus 
with them. 

5 Then Judas, who was possessed, 
came and sat down at the right hand of 
Jesus. 

6 When Satan was acting upon him 
as usual, he went about to bite the Lord 
Jesus, 

25 



Christ animates clay figures. I. INFANCY. Performs sundry miractes. 



7 And because he could not do it, he 
struck Jesus on his right side, so that he 
cried out ; 

8 And in the same moment Satan went 
out from the boy, and ran away like a 
mad dog. 

9 This same boy who struck Jesus, 
and out of whom Satan went out in the 
form of a dog, was Judas Iscariot, who 
betrayed him to the Jews. 

1 And that same side, on which Ju- 
das struck him, the Jews pierced with a 
spear. 

CHAP. XV. 

i Jesus and other boys play together, and make clay 
figures of animals. 4 Jesus causes them to walk ; 

6 also makes clay birds, which he causes to fly, 

7 The children's parents, alarmed, take Jesus for 
a sorcerer. 8 He goes to a dyer's shop, and throws 
all the cloths into the furnace, and works a miracle 
therewith ; 15 whereupon the Jews praise God. 

AND when the Lord Jesus was seven 
years of age, he was on a certain 
day with other boys, his companions, 
about the same age, 

2 Who, when they were at play, 
made clay into several shapes, namely, 
asses, oxen, birds, and other figures, 

3 Each boasting of his work, and en- 
deavouring to excel the rest. 

4 Then the Lord Jesus said to the 
boys, I will command these figures which 
I have made to walk. 

5 And immediately they moved ; and 
when he commanded them to return, 
they returned. 

6 He also made the figures of birds 
and sparrows, which, when he com- 
manded to fly, did fly, and when he 
commanded to stand still, did stand still ; 
and when he gave them meat and drink, 
they did eat and drink. 

7 When at length the boys went away, 
and related these things to their parents, 
their fathers said to them, Take heed, 
children, for the future, of his company, 
for he is a sorcerer; shun and avoid him, 
and from henceforth never play with him. 

8 IT On a certain day also, when the 
Lord Jesus was playing with the boys, 
and running about, he passed by a dyer's 
shop, whose name was Salem ; 

9 And there were in his shop many 
pieces of cloth belonging to the people 
of that city, which they designed to dye 
of several colours. 

10 Then the Lord Jesus, going into 
the dyer's shop, took all the cloths, and 
threw them into the furnace. 

1 1 When Salem came home, and saw 

26 



the cloths spoiled, he began to make a 
great noise, saying, 

12 What hast thou done to me, thou 
son of Mary ? Thou hast injured both 
me and my neighbours ; they all desired 
their cloths of a proper colour, but thou 
hast come and spoiled them all. 

13 The Lord Jesus replied, I will 
change the colour of every cloth to what 
colour thou desirest ; 

14 And then he presently began to 
take the cloths out of the furnace, and 
they were all dyed of those colours 
which the dyer desired. 

15 And when the Jews saw this sur- 
prising miracle, they praised God. 

CHAP. XVI. 

1 Christ miraculously widens or contracts gates, 
milk-pails, sieves, or boxes, not properly made by 
Joseph, 4 he not being skilful at his carpenter's 
trade. 5 The king of Jerusalem gives Joseph an 
order for a throne. 6 Joseph works on it for two 
years in the king's palace, and makes it two spans 
too short. 8 The king being angry with him, 10 
Jesus comforts him ; 13 commands him to pull one 
side of the throne while he pulls the other, and 
brings it to its proper dimensions ; 14 whereupon 
the bystanders praise God. 

AND Joseph, wheresover he went in 
the city, took the Lord Jesus with 
him, where he was sent for to work to 
make gates, or milk-pails, or sieves, or 
boxes; the Lord Jesus was with him, 
wheresoever he went. 

2 And as often as Joseph had anything 
in his work to make longer or shorter, or 
wider or narrower, the Lord Jesus would 
stretch his hand towards it, 

3 And presently it became as Joseph 
would have it ; 

4 So that he had no need to finish 
anything with his own hands, for lie 
was not very skilful at his carpenter's 
trade. 

5 II On a certain time the King of Je- 
rusalem sent for him, and said, I would 
have thee make me a throne, of the same 
dimensions with that place in which I 
commonly sit. 

6 Joseph obeyed, and forthwith began 
the work, and continued two years in 
the king's palace before he finished it. 

7 And when he came to fix in its 
place, he found it wanted two spans on 
each side of its appointed measure. 

8 Which when the king saw, he was 
very angry with Joseph; 

9 And Joseph, afraid of the king's 
anger, went to bed without his supper, 
taking not anything to eat. 



Boys changed to kids. 



I. INFANCY. 



Jesus crowned with flowers. 



10 Then the Lord Jesus asked him, 
What he was afraid of ? 

11 Joseph replied, Because I have lost 
my labor in the work which I have been 
about these two years. 

12 Jesus said to him, Fear not, neither 
be cast down. 

13 Do thou lay hold on one side of 
the throne, and I will the other, and we 
will bring it to its just dimensions. 

14 And when Joseph had done as the 
Lord Jesus said, and each of them had 
with strength drawn his side, the throne 
obeyed, and was brought to the proper 
dimensions of the place. 

15 Which miracle when they who 
stood by saw, they were astonished, and 
praised God. 

16 The throne was made of the same 
wood which was in being in Solomon's 
time, namely, wood adorned with various 
shapes and figures. 

CHAP. XVII. 

1 Jesus plays with boys at hide and seek. 3 Some 
women put his play-fellows in a furnace, 7 where 
they are transformed by Jesus into kids. 10 Jesus 
calls them to go and play, and they are restored to 
their shape. 



ON another day the Lord Jesus going 
out into the street, and seeing some 
boys who were met to play, joined him- 
self to their company ; 

2 But when they saw him, they hid 
themselves, and left him to seek for 
them. 

3 The Lord Jesus came to the gate of 
a certain house, and asked some women 
who were standing there, Where the 
boys were gone ? 

4 And when they answered, That 
there was no one there ; the Lord Jesus 
said, Who are those whom ye see in the 
furnace ? 

5 They answered, They were kids of 
three years old. 

6 Then Jesus cried out aloud, and 
said, Come out hither, ye kids, to your 
shepherds. 

7 And presently the boys came forth 
like kids, and leaped about him ; which 
when the women saw, they were ex- 
ceedingly amazed, and trembled. 

8 Then they immediately worshipped 
the Lord Jesus, and beseeched him, say- 
ing, our Lord Jesus, son of Mary, thou 
art truly that good shepherd of Israel ! 
have mercy on thy handmaids who stand 
before thee, who do not doubt but that 



thou, Lord, art come to save, and not 
to destroy. 

9 After that, when the Lord Jesus 
said, The children of Israel are like Ethi- 
opians among the people ; the women 
said, Thou, Lord, knowest all things, 
nor is anything concealed from thee : 
but now we entreat thee, and beseech 
of thy mercy, that thou would st restore 
those boys to their former state. 

10 Then Jesus said, Come hither, 
boys,. that we may go and play; and 
immediately, in the presence of these 
women, the kids were changed, and ie- 
turned into the shape of boys. 

CHAP. XVIII. 

1 Jesus becomes the king of his play-fellows, and 
they crown him with flowers. 4 He miraculously 
causes a serpent who had bitten Simon the Ca- 
naanite, then a boy, to suck out all the poison 
again. 16 The serpent bursts, and Christ restores 
the boy to health. 

IN the month Adar Jesus gathered to- 
gether the boys, and ranked them as 
though he had been a king : 

2 For they spread their garments on 
the ground for him to sit on; and having 
made a crown of flowers, put it upon his 
head, and stood on his right hand and 
left as the guards of a king ; 

3 And if any one happened to pass 
by, they took him by force, and said, 
Come hither, and worship the king, that 
you may have a prosperous journey. 

4 IT In the mean time, while these 
things were doing, there came certain 
men, carrying a boy upon a couch : 

5 For this boy having gone with his 
companions to the mountain to gainer 
wood, and having found there a par- 
tridge's nest and put his hand in to take 
out the eggs, was stung by a poisonous 
serpent, which leaped out of the nest ; 
so that he was forced to cry out for the 
help of his companions, who, when they 
came, found him lying upon the earth, 
like a dead person. 

6 After which his neighbours came, 
and carried him back into the city. 

7 But when they came to the place 
where the Lord Jesus was sitting like a 
king, and the other boys stood around 
him like his ministers, the boys made 
haste to meet him who was bitten by 
the serpent, and said to his neighbours, 
Come and pay your respects to the 
king. 

8 But when, by reason of their sorrow, 
they refused to come, the boys drew 

27 



Miracles of the serpents 



I. INFANCY. 



and the broken pitcher* 



them and forced them against their wills 
to come. 

9 And when they came to the Lord 
Jesus, he inquired, On what account they 
carried that boy ? 

10 And when they answered, that a 
serpent had bitten him, the Lord Jesus 
said to the boys, Let us go and kill that 
serpent. 

1 1 But when the parents of the boy 
desired to be excused, because their son 
lay at the point of death, the boys made 
answer and said, Did not ye hear what 
the king said ? Let us go and kill the 

• serpent ; and will not ye obey him ? 

12 So they brought the couch back 
again, whether they would or not. 

13 And when they were come to the 
nest, Jesus said to the boys, Is this the 
serpent's lurking-place? They said, It 
was. 

14 Then the Lord Jesus calling the 
serpent, it presently came forth, and sub- 
mitted to him ; to whom he said, Go and 
suck out all the poison which thou hast 
infused into that boy. 

15 So the serpent crept to the boy, 
and took away all its poison again. 

16 Then the Lord Jesus cursed the 
serpent, so that it immediately burst 
asunder, and died. 

17 And he touched the boy with his 
hand to restore him to his former health; 

18 And when he began to cry, he said, 
Cease crying, for hereafter thou shalt be 
my disciple. 

19 And this is that Simon the Canaan- 
ite, who is mentioned in the Gospel. 

CHAP. VIII. 

1 James being bitten by a viper, Jesus blows on the 
wound and cures him. 4 Jesus charged with 
throwing a boy from the roof of a house ; 10 mi- 
raculously causes the dead boy to acquit him ; 12 
fetches water for his mother, breaks the pitcher, 
and miraculously gathers the water in his mantle 
and brings it home : 16 makes fish-pools on the 
Sabbath ; 20 causes a boy to die who broke them 
down ; 22 another boy runs against him, whom he 
also causes to die. 

ON another day, Joseph sent his son 
James to gather wood, and the 
Lord Jesus went with him ; 

2 And when they came to the place 
where the wood was, and James began 
to gather it, behold, a venomous viper 
bit him, so that he began to cry and 
make a noise. 

3 The Lord Jesus seeing him in this 
condition, came to him, and blowed upon 

28 



the place where the viper had bitten him 
and it was instantly well. 

4 IT On a certain day the Lord Jesus 
was with some boys who were playing 
on the house-top, and one of the boys 
fell down, and presently died. 

5 Upon which the other boys all run- 
ning away, the Lord Jesus was left alone 
on the house-top. 

6 And the boy's relations came to him 
and said to the Lord Jesus, Thou didst 
throw our son down from the house-top ? 

7 But he denying it, they cried out, 
Our son is dead, and this is he who 
killed him. 

8 The Lord Jesus replied to them, Do 
not charge me with a crime of which 
you are not able to convict me, but let 
us go ask the boy himself, who will 
bring the truth to light. 

9 Then the Lord Jesus going down, 
stood over the head of the dead boy, and 
said with a loud voice, Zeinunus, Zei- 
nunus, who threw thee down from the 
house-top ? 

10 Then the dead boy answered, Thou 
didst not throw me down, but such a one 
did. 

1 1 And when the Lord Jesus bade those 
who stood by take notice of his words, 
all who were present praised God on ac- 
count of that miracle. 

12 IT On a certain time the Lady St. 
Mary had commanded the Lord Jesus to 
fetch her some water out of the well. 

13 And when he had gone to fetch 
water, the pitcher, when it was brought 
up full, brake ; 

14 But Jesus spreading his mantle 
gathered up the water again, and brought 
it in that to his mother ; 

15 Who, being astonished at this 
wonderful thing, laid up this, and all the 
other things which she had seen, in her 
memory 

1 6 IT Again on another day the Lord 
Jesus was with some boys by a river, 
and they drew water out of the river by 
little channels, and made little fish-pools. 

1 7 But the Lord Jesus had made twelve 
sparrows, and placed them about his pool 
on each side, three on a side. 

18 But it was the sabbath-day, and 
the son of Hanani, a Jew, came by, and 
saw them making these things, and said, 
Do ye thus make figures of clay on the 
sabbath ? And he ran to them, and broke 
down their fish-pools. 

19 But when the Lord Jesus clapped 



Jesus sent to school 



I. INFANCY. 



Disputes with the doctors. 



his hands over the sparrows which he 
had made, they fled away chirping. 

20 At length the son of Hanani com- 
ing to the fish-pool of Jesus to destroy 
it, the water vanished away, and the 
Lord Jesus said to him, 

21 In like manner as this water has 
i vanished, so shall thy life vanish; and 

presently the boy died. 

22 1F Another time, when the Lord 
Jesus was coming home in the evening 
with Joseph, he met a boy, who ran so 
hard against him, that he threw him 
down ; 

23 To whom the Lord Jesus said, As 
thou hast thrown me down, so shalt thou 
fall, nor ever rise. 

24 And that moment the boy fell 
down, and died. 

CHAP. XX. 

: 4 Sent to school to Zaccheus to learn his letters, and 
teaches Zaccheus. 13 Sent to another school- 
master ; 14 refuses to tell his letters, and the 
schoolmaster going to whip him, his hand withers, 
and he dies. 

THERE was also at Jerusalem one 
named Zaccheus, who was a 
schoolmaster ; 

2 And he said to Joseph, Joseph, why 
dost thou not send Jesus to me, that he 
may learn his letters ? 

3 Joseph agreed, and told St. Mary. 

4 So they brought him to that master ; 
who, as soon as he saw him, wrote out 
an alphabet for him, 

5 And he bade him to say Aleph ; and 
when he had said Aleph, the master bade 
him pronounce Beth. 

6 Then the Lord Jesus said to him, 
Tell me first the meaning of Aleph, and 

I then I will pronounce Beth. 

i 7 And when the master threatened to 
whip him, the Lord Jesus explained to 
him the meaning of the letters Aleph 

. and Beth ; 

8 Also which were the straight figures 
of the letters, which the oblique, and 
what letters had double figures ; which 
had points, and which had none ; why 

I one letter went before another; and many 
other things he began to tell him, and 
i explain, of which the master himself had 
i never heard, nor read in any book. 

9 The Lord Jesus farther said to the 
master, Take notice how I say to thee ; 
then he began clearly and distinctly to 
say Aleph, Beth, Gimel, Daleth, and so 
on to the end of the alphabet. 



10 At this the master was so surprised, 
that he said, I believe this boy was born 
before Noah ; 

11 And turning to Joseph, he said, 
Thou hast brought a boy to me to be 
taught, who is more learned than any 
master. 

12 He said also to St. Mary, This 
your son has no need of any learning. 

1 3 ir They brought him then to a more 
learned master, who, when he saw him, 
said, Say Aleph. 

14 And when \e had said Aleph, the 
master bade him pronounce Beth ; to 
which the Lord Jesus replied, Tell me 
first the meaning of the letter Aleph, and 
then I will pronounce Beth. 

1 5 But this master, when he lifted up 
his hand to whip him, had his hand pre- 
sently withered, and he died. 

16 Then said Joseph to St. Mary, 
Henceforth we will not allow him to go 
out of the house ; for every one who 
displeases him is killed. 

CHAP. XXI. 

2 Disputes miraculously with the doctors in the tem- 
ple, 7 on law, 9 on astronomy, 12 on physics and 
metaphysics. 21 Is worshipped by a philosopher, 
28 and fetched home by his mother. 

AND when he was twelve years old, 
they brought him to Jerusalem to 
the feast ; and when the feast was over 
they returned : 

2 But the Lord Jesus continued behind 
in the temple among the doctors and el- 
ders, and learned men of Israel; to whom 
he proposed several questions of learn- 
ing, and also gave them answers : 

3 For he said to them, Whose son is 
the Messiah ? They answered, The son 
of David. 

4 Why then, said he, does he in the 
spirit call him Lord ? when he said, The 
Lord said to my Lord, sit thou at my 
right hand, till I have made thine ene- 
mies thy footstool. 

5 Then a certain principal Rabbi ask- 
ed him, Hast thou read books ? 

6 Jesus answered, He had read both 
books, and the things which were con- 
tained in books. 

7 And he explained to them the books 
of the law, and precepts, and statutes, 
and the mysteries which are contained 
in the books of the prophets; things 
which the mind of no creature could 
reach. 

8 Then said that Rabbi, I never yet 

29 



Christ worshipped, 



have seen or heard of such knowledge ! 
what do you think that boy will be ? 

9 H When a certain astronomer, who 
was -present, asked the Lord Jesus, 
Whether he had studied astronomy ?. 

10 The Lord Jesus replied, and told 
him the number of the spheres and hea- 
venly bodies, as also their triangular, 
square, and sextile aspect ; their progres- 
sive and retrograde motion ; their size 
and several prognostications ; and other 
things, which the lea^n of man had 
never discovered. 

1 1 IT There was also among them a 
certain philosopher well skilled in physic 
and natural philosophy, who asked the 
Lord Jesus, Whether he had studied 
physic ? 

12 He replied, and explained to him 
physics and metaphysics ; 

13 Also those things which were 
above and below the power of nature ; 

14 The powers also of the body, its 
humours* and their effects ; 

15 Also the number of its members, 
and bones, veins, arteries, and nerves ; 

16 The several constitutions of body, 
hot and dry, cold and moist, and the ten- 
dencies of them ; 

17 How the soul operated upon the 
body; 

18 What its various sensations and 
faculties were ; 

19 The faculty of speaking, anger, 
desire ; 

20 And lastly, the manner of its com- 
position and dissolution ; and other things 
which the understanding of no creature 
had ever reached. 

21 Then that philosopher arose, and 
worshipped the Lord Jesus, and said, 
Lord Jesus, from henceforth I will be 
thy disciple and servant. 

22 IT While they were discouring on 
these and such like things, the Lady St. 
Mary came in, having been three days 
walking about with Joseph, seeking for 
him. 

23 And when she saw him among the 
doctors, and in his turn proposing ques- 
tions to them, and giving answers, she 
said to him, My son, why hast thou 



I. INFANCY. and is baptized. 

done thus by us ? Behold, I and thy 
father have been at much pains in seek- 
ing thee. 

24 He replied, Why did ye seek me ? 
Did ye not know that I ought to be em- 
ployed in my Father's house ? 

25 But they understood not the words 
which he said to them. 

26 Then the doctors asked Mary, 
Whether this were her son ? And when 
she answered, He was, they said, hap- 
py Mary, who hast borne such a son ! 

27 Then he returned with them to 
Nazareth, and obeyed them in all things, 

28 And his mother kept all these say- 
ings in her mind. 

29 And the Lord Jesus grew in stature 
and wisdom, and favour with God and 
man. 



CHAP. XXII. 

1 Conceals his miracles, 2 studies the law, 3 aad is 
baptized. 

NOW from this time Jesus began to 
conceal his miracles and secret 
works, 

2 And gave himself to the study of the 
law, till he arrived to the end of his thir- 
tieth year ; 

3 At which time the Father publicly 
owned him at Jordan, sending down this 
voice from heaven, This is my beloved 
son, in whom I am well pleased ; 

4 The Holy Ghost being also present 
in the form of a dove. 

5 This is he whom we worship with 
all reverence, because he gave us our 
life and being, and brought us from our 
mother's womb ; 

6 Who, for our sakes, took a human 
body> and hath redeemed us, that so he 
might embrace us with everlasting mercy, 
and shew his free, large, bountiful grace 
and goodness to us. 

7 To him be glory and praise, and 
power, and dominion, from henceforth 
and for evermore. Amen. 

^T The end of the whole Gospel of the In- 
fancy, by the assistance of the supreme 
God, according to what we found in 
the original. 



30 



Jetus animates clay sparrows. II, INFANCY. 



Withers and cures a boy. 



THOMAS'S GOSPEL of the INFANCY of JESUS CHRIST. 



(The original in Greek, from which this translation is made, will be found printed by Cotelerius, in his notes 
on the constitutions of the Apostles, from a MS", in the French King's Library, IS'o. 2779. — It is attri- 
buted to Thomas, and conjectured to have been originally connected with the Gospel of Mary. J 



* An Account of the Actions and Mir- 
acles of our Lord and Saviour Jesus 
Christ, in his Infancy. 

CHAP. I. 

2 Jesus miraculously clears the water after rain ; 4 
plays with clay sparrows, which he animates on 
the sabbath day. 

I THOMAS an Israelite, judged it ne- 
cessary to make known to our breth- 
ren among the Gentiles, the actions and 
miracles of Christ in his childhood, which 
our Lord and God Jesus Christ wrought 
after his birth in Bethlehem in our coun- 
try, at which I myself was astonished ; 
the beginning of which was as follow- 
cth : 

2 * When the child Jesus was five 
years of age, and there had been a show- 
er of rain, which was now over, Jesus 
was playing with other Hebrew boys by 
a running stream; and the water run- 
ning over the banks, stood in little lakes; 

3 But the waters instantly became 
clear and useful again; he having smote 
them only by his word, they readily 
obeyed him. 

4 Then he took from the bank of the 
stream some soft clay, and formed out of 
it twelve sparrows ; and there were other 
boys playing with him. 

5 But a certain Jew seeing the things 
which he was doing, namely, his form- 
ing clay into the figures of sparrows on 
the sabbath day, went presently away, 
and told his father Joseph, and said, 

; 6 Behold, thy boy is playing by the 
•river side, and has taken clay, and form- 
ed it into twelve sparrows, and profaneth 
the sabbath. 

7 Then Joseph came to the place 
where he was, and when he saw him, 
called to him, and said, Why doest thou 
that which it is not lawful to do, on the 
pabbath day ? 

i 8 Then Jesus clapping together the 
^alrns of his hands, called to the spar- 
rows, and said to them : Go, fly away ; 
land while ye live remember me. 

9 So the sparrows fled away, making 
a noise. 



1 The Jews seeing this, were aston- 
ished, and went away, and told their 
chief persons what a strange miracle 
they had seen wrought by Jesus. 

CHAP. II. 

1 Causes a boy to wither who broke down his fish- 
pools ; 6 partly restores him ; 7 kills another boy ; 
1G causes blindness to fall on his accusers, 18 for 
which Joseph pulls him by the ear. 

BESIDES this, the son of Anna the 
scribe was standing there with Jo- 
seph, and took a bough of a willow tree, 
and scattered the waters which Jesus had 
gather into lakes. 

2 But the boy Jesus seeing what he 
had done, became angry, and said to him, 
Thou fool, what harm did the lakes do 
thee, that thou shouldest scatter the wa- 
ter ? 

3 Behold now thou shall wither as a 
tree, and shalt not bring forth either 
leaves, or branches, or fruit. 

4 And immediately he became with- 
ered all over. 

5 Then Jesus went away home. But 
the parents of the boy who was withered, 
lamenting the misfortunes of his youth, 
took and carried him to Joseph, accusing 
him, and said, Why dost thou keep a 
son who is guilty of such actions ? 

6 Then Jesus at the request of all who 
were present did heal him, leaving only 
one small member to continue withered, 
that they might take warning. 

7 1T Another time Jesus went forth 
into the street, and a boy running by, 
rushed upon his shoulder ; 

8 At which Jesus being angry, said to 
him, Thou shalt go no farther. 

9 And he instantly fell down dead : 

10 Which when some persons saw, 
they said, Where was this boy born, 
that every thing which he says presently 
cometh to pass ? 

1 1 Then the parents of the boy going 
to Joseph complained, saying, You are 
not fit to live with us, in our city, having 
such a boy as that : 

12 Either teach him that he bless, and 
not curse, or else depart hence with him, 
for he kills our children. 

31 



His enemies punished. CHRIST AND ABGARUS. Teaches Us instructor. 

13 IT Then Joseph calling the boy Je- 
sus by himself, instructed him, saying, 
Why dbest thou such things to injure the 
people, so that they hate us and perse- 
cute us ? 

14 But Jesus replied, I know that 
what thou say est is not of thyself, but 
for thy sake I will say nothing ; 

15 But they who have said these 
things to thee, shall suffer everlasting 
punishment. 

16 And immediately they who had 
accused him, became blind, 

17 And all they who saw it were 
exceedingly afraid and confounded, 
and said concerning him, Whatsoever 
he saith, whether good or bad, imme- 
diately cometh to pass: and they were 
amazed. 

18 And when they saw this action of 
Christ, Joseph arose, and plucked him by 
the ear, at which the boy was angry, and 
said to him, Be easy ; 

19 For if they seek for us, they shall 
not find us : thou hast done very impru- 
dently. 

20 Dost thou not know that I am 
thine ? Trouble me no more. 



CHAP. Ill 

Astonishes his schoolmaster by his learning. 

A CERTAIN schoolmaster, named 
Zaccheus, standing in a certain 
place, heard Jesus speaking these things 
to his father ; 



2 And he was much surprised, that 
being a child he should speak such 
things ; and after a few days he came 
to Joseph, and said, 

3 Thou hast a wise and sensible child, 
send him to me, that he may learn to 
read. 

4 When he sat down to teach the let- 
ters to Jesus, he began with the first let- 
ter, Aleph ; 

5 But Jesus pronounced the second 
letter Mpeth (Beth,) Cghimel (Gimel,) 
and said over all the letters to him to the 
end. 

6 Then opening a book, he taught his 
master the prophets; but he was asham- 
ed, and was at a loss to conceive how 
he came to know the letters. 

7 And he arose and went home, 
wonderfully surprised at so strange a 
thing. 

CHAP. IV. 

Fragment of an adventure at a dyer's. 

AS Jesus was passing by a certain 
shop, he saw a young man dipping 
(or dyeing) some cloths and stockings in 
a furnace, of a sad colour, doing tnem 
according to every person's particular 
order ; 

2 The boy Jesus going to the young 
man who was doing this, took also some 
of the cloths * * * * 

H Here endeth the Fragment of Thomas* s 
Gospel of the Infancy of Jesus Christ, 



The EPISTLES of JESUS CHRIST and ABGARUS, KING 

of EDESSA. 

[The first writer who makes any mention of the Epistles that passed between Jesus Christ and Abgarus, is 
Eusebius, Bishop of Caesaren, in Palestine, who flourished in the early part of the fourth century. For 
their genuineness, he appeals to the public registries and records of the City of Edessa, in Mesopota 
mia, where Abgarus reigned, at'd where he affirms that he found them written in the Syriac language. 
He published a Greek translation of them, in his Ecclesiastical History .a The learned world has been 
much divided on this subject : but, notwithstanding the erudite Grabe, with Archbishop Cave, Dr. 
Parker, and other divines, have strenuously contended for their admission into the canon of Scripture, 
they are deemed apocryphal The Rev. Jeremiah Jones observes, that the common people in England 
have this Epistle in their houses, in many places, fixed in a frame, with the picture of Christ before it ; 
and that they generally, with much honesty and devotion, regard it as the Word of God, -and the gen- 
uine Epistle "of Christ, j 



CHAP. 1. 

A copy of a letter written by King Abgarus to Jesus, 
and sent to him by Ananias, his footman, to Jeru- 
salem ; 5 inviting him to Edessa. 



* L. i. c. 13. 



32 



ABGARUS, King of Edessa, to Jesus 
the good Saviour, who appears at 
Jerusalem, greeting, 

2 I have been informed concerning 
you and your cures, which are perform 



Letter* of 



CHRIST AND ABGARUS. 



Christ and Abgarus. 



ed without the use of medicines and 
herbs. 

3 For it is reported, that you cause 
the blind to see, the lame to walk, do 
both cleanse lepers, and cast out unclean 
spirits and devils, and restore them to 
health who have long been diseased, and 
raisest up the dead : 

4 All which when I heard, I was per- 
suaded of oneof these two, viz. either that 
you are God himself descended from 
heaven, who do these things, or the son 
of God. 

5 On this account therefore I have 
wrote to you, earnestly to desire you 
would take the trouble of a journey hith- 
er, and cure a disease which I am under. 

6 For I hear the Jews ridicule you, 
and intend you mischief. 

7 My city is indeed small, but neat, 
and large enough for us both. 



CHAP. II. 



The answer of Jesus by Ananias the footman to Ab- 
garus the king, 3 declining to visit Edessa. 

ABGARUS, you are happy, forasmuch 
as you have believed on me, whom 
you have not seen. 

2 For it is written concerning me, that 
those who have seen me should not be- 
lieve on me, that they who have not seen 
might believe and live. 

3 As to that part of your letter, which 
relates to my giving you a visit, I must 
inform you, that I must fulfil all the ends 
of my mission in this country, and after 
that be received up again to him who 
sent me. 

4 But after my ascension I will send 
one of my disciples, who will cure your 
disease, and give life to you, and all that 
are with you. 



The GOSPEL of NICODEMUS, formerly called the ACTS of 
PONTIUS PILATE. 



[Although this Gospel is, by some among the learned, supposed to have been really written by Niccdemus, 
who became a disciple of Jesus Christ, and conversed with him, others conjecture, that it was a for- 
gery towards the close of the third century by some zealous believer, who observing that there nad 
been appeals made by the Christians of the former age, to the Acts of Pilate, but that such Acts could 
not be produced, imagined that it would be of service to Christianity to fabricate and publish this Gos- 
pel ; as it would both confirm the Christians under persecution, and convince the Heathens of the 
truth of the Christian religion. The Rev. Jeremiah Jones says, that such pious frauds were very com- 
mon among the Christians even in the first three centuries ; and that a forgery of this nature, with the 
view above mentioned, seems natural and probable. The same author, in noticing thut Eusebius, in 
his Ecclesiastical History, charges the Pagans with having forged and published a book, called "The 
Acts of Pilate," takes occasion to observe, that the internal evidence of this Gospel shows it was not 
the work of any Heathen ; but thut if in the latter end of the third century we find it in use among 
Christians (and'it was certainly then read in some churches,) and about the "same time find a forgery 
of the Heathens under the same title, it seems exceeding probable that some Christians, at that time, 
should publish such a piece as this, in order partly to confront the spurious one of the Pagans, and 
partly to support those appeals which had been made by former Christians to the Acts of Fiiate ; and 
Mr. Jones siys he thinks so the more, particularly as we have innumerable instances of forgeries by tho 
faithful in the primitive ages, grounded on less plausible reasons. Whether it be canonical or not, it is 
of very great antiquity, and is appealed to by several of the ancient Christians. The present transla- 
tion is "made from the Gospel, published by Gryuaus in the Orthodoxographa, vol. i. torn. ii. p. 643. 



The Gospel of Nicodemus the Disciple* 
concerning the sufferings and Resur- 
rection of our Master and Saviour, 
Jesus Christ. 

CHAP. I. 

1 Christ accused to Pilate by the Jews of healing on 
the sabbath ; 9 summoned before Pilate by a mes- 
senger who does him honor ; 20 worshipped by the 
standards bowing down to him. 



ANNAS and Caiphas, and Summas, 
and Datam, Gamaliel, Judas, Levi, 
Nepihalim, Alexander, Cyrus, and other 
Jews, went to Pilate about Jesus, accus- 
ing him with many bad crimes. 

2 And said, We are assured that Jesus 
is the son of Joseph the carpenter, 11 and 



* Matt. xiii. 55. and John, vi. 42. 

33 



The Jews complain NICODEMUS. 

born of Mary, and that he declares him- 
self the Son of God, and a king ; b and 
not only so, but attempts the dissolution 
of the sabbath, and the laws of our 
fathers. 

3 Pilate replied ; What is it which he 
declares ? and what is it which he at- 
tempts dissolving ? 

4 The Jews told him, We have a law 
which forbids doing cures on the sabbath 
day ; d but he cures both the lame and the 
deaf, those afflicted with the palsy, the 
blind, and lepers, and demoniacs, on that 
day by wicked methods. 15 

5 Pilate replied, How can he do this 
by wicked methods ? They answered, 
He is a conjuror, and casts out devils by 
the prince of the the devils ; f and so 
all things become subject to him. 

6 Then said Pilate, Casting out devils 
seems not to be the work of an unclean 
spirit, but to proceed from the power of 
God. 

7 ThesJews replied to Pilate, We en- 
treat your highness to summon him to 
appear before your tribunal, and hear 
him yourself. 

8 Then Pilate called a messenger, and 
said to him, By what means will Christ 
be brought hither ? 

9 Then went the messenger forth, and 
knowing Christ, worshipped him; and 
having spread the cloak which he had 
in his hand upon the ground, he said, 
Lord, walk upon this, and go in, for the 
governor calls thee. 

1 When the Jews perceived what the 
messenger had done, they exclaimed 
(against him) to Pilate, and said, Why 
do you not give him his summons by a 
beadle, and not by a messenger ? — For 
the messenger, when he saw him, wor- 
shipped him, and spread the cloak which 
he had in his hand upon the ground be- 
fore him, and said to him, Lord, the gov- 
ernor calls thee. 

11 Then Pilate called the messenger, 
and said, Why hast thou done thus ? 

12 The messenger replied, When thou 
sentest me from Jerusalem to Alexander, 
1 saw Jesus sitting in a mean figure upon 
a she-ass, and the children of the He- 
brews cried out, Hosannah, holding 
boughs of trees in their hands. 

1 3 Others spread their garments in the 



of Jesus to Pilate. 



o John, v. 17, 18. Mark, xv. 2. c Matt. xii. 2, &c. 
Luke, xiii. 14. John, v. 18. d Exod. xx. 8, &c 
e Matt, iv 24. and xi. 5. f Matt. ix. 34 and xii. 24, &c. 

34 



way, and said, Save us, thou who art in 
heaven ; blessed is he who cometh in the 
name of the Lord.s 

14 Then the Jews cried out against 
the messenger, and said, The children 
of the Hebrews made their acclamations 
in the Hebrew language ; and howcould- 
est thou who art a Greek, understand the 
Hebrew ? 

1 5 The messenger then answered them 
and said, What is this which the chil- 
dren do cry out in the Hebrew language ? 

16 And he explained it to me, saying, 
They cry out Hosannah, which being in- 
terpreted, is, Lord, save me ; or, O 
Lord, save. 

17 Pilate then said to them, Why do 
you yourselves testify to the words spo- 
ken by the children, namely, by your 
silence ? In what has the messenger 
done amiss ? And they were silent. 

18 Then the governor said unto the 
messenger, Go forth, and endeavour by 
any means to bring him in. 

19 But the messenger went forth, and 
did as before ; and said, Lord, come in, 
for the governor calleth thee. 

20 And as Jesus was going in by the 
ensigns, who carried the standards, the 
tops of them bowed down, and wor- 
shipped Jesus. 

21 Whereupon the Jews exclaimed 
more vehemently against the ensigns. 

22 But Pilate said to the Jews, I know 
it is not pleasing to you that the tops of 
the standards did of themselves bow, and 
worship Jesus ; but why do ye exclaim 
against the ensigns, as if they had bow- 
ed and worshipped. 

23 They replied to Pilate, We saw 
the ensigns themselves bowing and wor- 
shipping Jesus. 

24 Then the governor called the en- 
signs, and said unto them, Why did you 
do thus ? 

25 The ensigns said to Pilate, We are 
all pagans, and worship the gods in tem- 
ples ; and how should we think anything 
about worshipping him ? We only held 
the standards in our hands, and they 
bowed themselves and worshipped him. 

26 Then said Pilate to the rulers of 
the synagogue, Do ye yourselves choose 
some strong men, and let them hold the 
standards, and we shall see whether they 
will then bend of themselves. 

27 So the elders of the Jews sought 



g Matt. xxi. 8, 9, &c. 



Jesus arraigned for 



out twelve of the most strong and able 
old men, and made them hold the stand- 
ards ; and they stood in the presence of 
the governors. 

28 Then Pilate said to the messenger, 
Take Jesus out, and by some means bring 
him in again. And Jesus and the mes- 
senger went out of the hall. 

29 And Pilate called the ensigns who 
before had borne the standards, and swore 
to them, that if they had not borne the 
standards in that manner when Jesus be- 
fore entered in, he would cut off their 
heads. 

30 Then the governor commanded Je- 
sus to come in again. 

31 And the messenger did as he had 
done before, and very much entreated 
Jesus that he would go upon his cloak, 
and walk on it ; and he did walk upon 
it, and went in. 

32 And when Jesus went in, the stan- 
dards bowed themselves as before, and 
worshipped him. 

CHAP. II. 

2 Is compassionated by Pilate's wife ; 7 charged 
with being born in fornication ; testimony to the 
betrothing of his parents. Hatred of the Jews to 
him. 

NOW when Pilate saw this, he was 
afraid, and was about to rise from 
his seat. 

2 But while he thought to rise, his 
own wife, who stood at a distance, sent 
to him, saying, Have thou nothing to do 
with that just man ; for I have suffered 
much concerning him in a vision this 
night. 

3 When the Jews heard this, they 
said to Pilate, Did we not say unto thee, 
He is a conjuror ? Behold, he hath 
caused thy wife to dream. 

4 Pilate then calling Jesus, said, Hast 
thou heard what they testify against 
thee, and makest no answer ? 

5 Jesus replied, If they had not a 
power- 'of -"speaking, they could not have 
spoke ; but because every one has the 
command of his own tongue, to sjfeak 
both good and bad, let them look to it. 

6 But the elders of the Jews answer- 
ed, and said to Jesus, What shall we 
look to ? 

7 In the first place, we know this con- 
cerning thee, that thou was born through 
fornication ; secondly, that upon the ac- 

h Matt, xxvii. 19. 



NICODEMUS. healing on the sabbath, 

count of thy birth, the infants were slain 
in* Bethlehem ; thirdly, that thy father 
and mother Mary fled into Egypt, be- 
cause they could not trust their own 
people. 

8 Some of the Jews who stood by, 
spake more favorably ; We cannot say 
that he was born through fornication ; 
but we know that his mother Mary was 
betrothed to Joseph, and so he was not 
born through fornication. 

9 Then said Pilate to the Jews who 
affirmed him to be born through fornica- 
tion, This your account is not true, see- 
ing there was a betrothment, as they tes- 
tify who are of your own nation. 

10 Annas and Caiphas spake to Pilate, 
All this multitude of people is to be re- 
garded, who cry out, that he was born 
through fornication, and is a conjuror ; 
but they ' who deny him to be born 
through fornication, are his proselytes 
and disciples. 

11 Pilate replied to Annas and Cai- 
phas, Who are the proselytes ? They 
answered, They are those who are the 
children of Pagans, and are not become 
Jews, but followers of him. 

12 Then replied Eleazar and Asterius, 
and 4 ntonius » an d James, Caras and 
Samuel, Isaac and Phinees, Crispus and 
Agrippa, Annas and Judas, we are not 
proselytes, but children of Jews, and 
speak the truth, and were present when 
Mary was betrothed. 

13 Then Pilate addressing himself to 
the twelve men who spake this, said to 
them, I conjure you by the life of Caesar, 
that ye faithfully declare whether he was 
born through fornication, and those things 
be true which ye have related. 

14 They answered Pilate, We have a 
a law, whereby we are forbid to swear, 
it being a sin ; let them swear by the 
life of Caesar that it is not as we have 
said, and we will be contented to be put 
to death. 

15 Then said Annas and Caiphas to 
Pilate, Those twelve men will not be- 
lieve that we know him to be basely 
born, and to be a conjuror, although he 
pretends that he is the Son of God, and 
a king ;* which we are so far from be- 
lieving, that we tremble to hear. 

16 Then Pilate commanded everyone 
to go out except the twelve men who 
said he was not born through fornica- 

i John, v. 17, 18. Mark x v. 2. 

35 



Pilate defends 



NICODEMUS 



Jesus from the Jews. 



tion, and Jesus to withdraw to a dis- 
tance, and said to them, Why have the 
Jews a mind to kill Jesus ? 

17 They answered him, They are an- 
gry because he wrought cures on the 
sabbath day. Pilate said, Will they kill 
him for a good work ? k They say unto 
him. Yes, sir. 

CHAP. III. 

1 Is exonerated by Pilate. 11 Disputes with Pilate 
concerning truth. 

TPIEN Pilate, filled with anger, went 
out of the hall, and saia to the 
Jews, I call the whole world to witness 
that I find no fault in that man 

2 The Jews replied to Pilate, If he 
had not been a wicked person, we had 
not brought him before thee. 

3 Pilate said to them, Do ye take him, 
and try him by your law. 

4 Then the Jews said, It is not law- 
ful for us to put any man to death. 

5 Pilate said to the Jews, The com- 
mand therefore, Thou shalt not kill," 1 be- 
longs to you, but not to me. 

6 And he went again into the hall, 
and called Jesus by himself, and said to 
him, Art thou the king of the Jews ? 

7 And Jesus answering, said to Pilate, 
Dost thou speak this of thyself, or did 
the Jews tell it thee concerning me ? 

8 Pilate answering, said to Jesus, Am 
I a Jew ? The whole nation and rulers 
of the Jews have delivered thee up to 
me. What hast thou done ? 

9 Jesus answering, said, My kingdom 
is not of this world : if my kingdom 
were of this world, then would my ser- 
vants fight, and I should not have been 
delivered to the Jews ; but now my king- 
dom is not from hence. 

10 Pilate said, Art thou a king then ? 
Jesus answered, Thou sayest that I am 
a king: to this end was I born, and for 
this end came I into the world ; and for 
this purpose I came, that I should bear 
witness to the truth ; and every one who 
is of the truth, heareth my voice. 

11 Pilate saith to him, What is truth? 

12 Jesus said, Truth is from heaven. 

13 Pilate said, Therefore truth is not 
on earth. 

14 Jesus saith to Pilate, Believe that 
truth is on earth among those, who when 



k John, x. 32. 1 John, xviii. 31, &c. m Exod. xx. 
13. 

36 



they have the power of judgment, are 
governed by truth, and form right judg- 
ment. 

CHAP. IV. 

1 Pilate finds no fault in Jesus. 16 The Jew» de- 
mand his crucifixion. 

THEN Pilate left Jesus in the hall, 
and went out to the Jews, and said, 
I find not any one fault in Jesus. 

2 The Jews say unto him, But he said, 
I can destroy the temple of God, and in 
three days build it up again 

3 Pilate saith unto them, What sort 
of temple is that of which he speaketh ? 

4 The Jews say unto him, that which 
Solomon was forty- six years in building, 11 
he said he would destroy, and in three 
days build up. 

5 Pilate said to them again, I am in- 
nocent from the blood of that man ; do 
ye look to it.° 

6 The Jews say to him, His blood be 
upon us and our children Then Pilate 
calling together the elders and scribes, 
priests and Levites, saith to them, pri- 
vately, Do not act thus ; I have found 
nothing in your charge (against him) 
concerning his curing sick persons, and 
breaking the sabbath, worthy of death. 

7 The priests and Levites replied to 
Pilate, By the life of Caesar, if any one 
be a blasphemer, he is worthy of death ;? 
but this man hath blasphemed against the 
Lord. 

8 Then the governor again command- 
ed the Jews to depart out of the hall ; 
and calling Jesus, said to him, What 
shall I do with thee ? 

9 Jesus answered him, Do according 
as it is written. 

10 Pilate said to him, How is it writ- 
ten? 

1 1 Jesus saith to him, Moses and the 
prophets have prophesied concerning my 
suffering and resurrection. 

12 The Jews hearing this, were pro- 
voked, and said to Pilate, Why wilt thou 
anyjonger hear the blasphemy of that 
man ? 

13 Pilate saith to them, If these words 
seem to you blasphemy, do ye take him, 
bring him to your court, and try him ac- 
cording to your law. 

14 I'he Jews reply to Pilate, Our law 
saith, that if one man injure another, he 
shall be obliged to receive nine and thir- 

» John, ii. 20 o Matt, xxvii. 24. ? Lev. xxiv. 16. 



Nicodemus defends Jesus, 



NICODEMUS. 



recounting his miracles* 



ty stripes ; but if after this manner he 
shall blaspheme against the Lord, he 
shall be stoned. 

15 Pilate saith unto them, If that 
speech of his was blasphemy, do ye try 
him according to your law. 

16 The Jews say to Pilate, Our law 
commands us not to put any one to 
death ;i we desire that he may be cruci- 
fied, because he deserves the death of the 
cross. 

17 Pilate saith to them, It is not fit he 
should be crucified ; let him be only 
whipped and sent away/ 

18 But when the governor looked 
upon the people that were present and 
the Jews, he saw many of the Jews in 
tears, and said to the chief priests of the 
Jews, All the people do not desire his 
death. 

19 The elders of the Jews answered 
to Pilate, We and all the people came 
hither for this very purpose, that he 
should die. 

20 Pilate saith to them, Why should 
he die ? 

21 They said to him, Because he de- 
clares himself to be the Son of God, and 
a king. 

CHAP. V. 

1 Nicodemus speaks in defence of Christ, and relates 
his miracles. 12 Another Jew, 26 with Veroni- 
ca, 34 Centurio, and others, testify of ether mira- 
cles. 

BUT Nicodemus, a certain Jew, stood 
before the governor, and said, I en- 
treat thee, righteous judge, that thou 
wouldst favor me with the liberty of 
speaking a few words. 

2 Pilate said to him, Speak on. 

3 Nicodemus said, I spake to the elders 
of the Jews, and the scribes, and priests, 
and Levites, and a 1 ' the multitude of the 
Jews, in their ass lbly ; What is it ye 
would do with tlii. .:an ? 

4 He is a man who hath wrought 
many useful and glorious miracles, such 
as no man on earth ever wrought before, 
nor will ever work. 8 Let him go, and do 
him no harm : if he cometh from God, 
his miracles (his miraculous cures) will 
continue ; but if from men, they will 
come to nought. 1 

5 Thus Moses, when he was sent by 
God, into Egypt, wrought the miracles 



q Exod. xx. 13 r Luke, xxiii. 16. » John, iii 2. 
Act*, v. 38. 



which God commanded him, before Pha- 
raoh king of Egypt ; and though the ma- 
gicians of that country, Jannes and Jam- 
bres, u wrought by their magic the same 
miracles which Moses did, yet they could 
not work all which he did : v 

6 And the miracles which the magi- 
cians wrought, were not of God, as ye 
know, Scribes and Pharisees ; but they 
who wrought them perished, and all who 
believed them. w 

7 And now let this man go ; because 
the very miracles for which ye accuse 
him, are from God ; and he is not wor- 
thy of death. 

8 The Jews then said to Nicodemus, 
Art thou become his disciple, and ma- 
king speeches in his favour ? 

9 Nicodemus said to them, Is the gov- 
ernor become his disciple also, and does 
he make speeches for him ? Did not 
Caesar place him in that high post ? 

10 When the Jews heard this, they 
trembled, and gnashed their teeth at 
Nicodemus, and said to him, Mayest thou 
receive his doctrine for truth, and have 
thy lot with Christ ! 

1 1 Nicodemus replied, Amen ; I will 
receive his doctrine, and my lot with 
him, as ye have said. 

12 IT Then another certain Jew rose 
up, and desired leave of the governor to 
hear him a few words. 

13 And the governor said, Speak what 
thou hast a mind. 

14 And he said, I lay for thirty-eight 
years by the sheep-pool at Jerusalem, 
labouring under a great infirmity, and 
waiting for a cure which should be 
wrought by the coming of an angel, who 
at a certain time troubled the water ; and 
whosoever first after the troubling of the 
water stepped in, was made whole of 
whatsoever disease he had. 

1 5 And when Jesus saw me languish- 
ing there, he said to me, Wilt thou be 
made whole ? And I answered, Sir, I 
have no man, when the water is trou- 
bled, to put me into the pool. 

16 And he said unto me, Rise, take 
up thy bed, and walk. And I was im- 
mediately made whole, and took up my 
bed and walked.* 

17 The Jews then said to Pilate, Our 



u These are mentioned also as the names of the ma 
gicians, 2 Tim. iii. 8. v Exod. viii. 18, &.c. w Acts, 
v. 35. An allusion to Gamaliel's speech. * John, r 
1, 2, &c. 

37 



Testimony of those 



NICODEMUS. 



who had been healed 



lord governor, pray ask him what day 
it was on which he cured him oi his in- 
firmity. 

18 The infirm person replied, It was 
on the sabbath. 

19 The Jews said to Filate, Did we 
not say that he wrought his cures on the 
sabbath, and cast out devils by the prince 
of devils ? 

20 Then another certain >' Jew came 
forth, and said, I was blind, could hear 
sounds, but could not see any one ; and 
as Jesus was going along, I heard the 
multitude passing by, and asked what 
was there ? 

21 They told me that Jesus was pass- 
ing by : then I cried out, saying, Jesus, 
Son of David, have mercy upon me. 
And he stood still, and commanded that 
I should be brought to him, and said to 
me. What wilt thou ? 

22 I said. Lord, that I may receive my 
sight. 

•23 He said to me, receive thy sight; 
and presently I saw, and followed him, 
rejoicing and giving thanks. 

2 A Another Jew also came forth, and 
said/ I was a leper, and he cured me by 
his word only, saying, I will, be thou 
clean; and presently I was cleansed from 
my leprosy. 

•25 And another Jew came forth, and 
said, I was crooked, and he made me 
straight by his word.* 

06 "~ And a certain woman named Ve- 
ronica said, b I was afflicted with an issue 
of blood twelve years, and I touched the 
hem of his garment, and presently the 
issue of my blood stopped. 

0? The Jews then said. We have a 
law, that a woman shall not be allowed 
as an evidence. 

28 And, after other things, another 
Jew said, I saw Jesus invited to a wed- 
ding with his disciples, and there was a 
want of wine, in Cana of Galilee ; 

29 And when the wine was all drank, 
he commanded the servants that they 
should till six pots which were there 
with water, and they filled them up to 
the brim, and he blessed them, and turned 
the water into wine ; and all the people 
drank, being surprised at this miracle. 



y Mark, x. 40. ' Matt. viii. 3, &c. a Luke. xii. 
11, &c. b Matt. ix. *20. &c. See concerning this 
woman called Veronica, on whom this miracle was 
performed, and the statue which she erected to the 
honour of Christ, in Euseb. Hist. Eccl. 1. 7, c. IS. 
« John, ii. 1. &c. i Luke, iv. 33. &c. 



30 And another Jew stood forth, and 
said, d I saw Jesus teaching in the syna- 
gogue at Capernaum ; and there was in 
the synagogue a certain man who had a 
devil ; and he cried out, saying. Let me 
alone ; what have we to do with thee, 
Jesus of Nazareth ? Art thou come to 
destrov us ? I know that thou art the 
Holy One of God. 

31 And Jesus rebuked him, saying, 
Hold thy peace, unclean spirit, and come 
out of the man ; and presently he came 
out of him, and did not at all hurt him. 

30 The following things were also 
said by a Pharisee : I saw that a great 
company came to Jesus from Galilee and 
Judaea and the sea-coast, and many coun- 
tries about Jordan ; and many infirm per- 
sons came to him, and he healed them 
all. e 

33 And I heard the unclean spirits 
crying out, and saving, 1 ' Thou art the 
Son of God And Jesus strictly charged 
them, that they should not make him 
known. 

34 1T After this another person, whose 
name was Centurio, said,* I saw Jesus 
in Capernaum, and I entreated him, say- 
ing, Lord, my servant lieth at home <iek 
of the palsy. 

35 And Jesus said to me, I will come 
and cure him. 

36 But I said, Lord, I am not worthy 
that thou shouldst come under my roof ; 
but only speak the word, and my ser- 
vant shall be healed. 

37 And Jesus said unto me, Go thy 
way ; and as thou hast believed, so be it 
done unto thee. And my servant was 
healed from that same hour. 

38 Then a certain nobleman said, I 
had a son in Capernaum, who lay at the 
point of death ; and when I heard that 
Jesus was come into Galilee, I went and 
besought him tl ,.t lie would come down 
to my house, and heal my son, for he 
was at the point of death. 

39 He said to me, Go thy way, thy 
son liveth. 

-40 And my son was cured from that 
hour. 

41 Besides these, also many others of 
the Jews, both men and women, cried 
out and said, He is truly the Son of God, 
who cures all diseases only by his word, 
and to whom the devils are altogether 
subject. 



e Mark, iv. 04. f Mark, iii. 11. e Matt. viii. 5, &c. 



Christ 9 s death demanded. 



42 Some of them farther said, This 
power can proceed from none but God. 

43 Pilate said to the Jews, Why are 
not the devils subject to your doctors ? 

44 Some of them said, The power of 
subjecting devils cannot proceed but from 
God. 

45 But others said to Pilate, That he 
had h raised Lazarus from the dead, after 
he had been four days in his grave. 

46 The governor hearing this, trem- 
bling said to the multitude of the Jews, 
What will it profit you to shed innocent 
blood ? 

CHAP. VI. 

1 Pilate dismayed at the turbulence of the Jews, 5 
who demand Barabbas to be released, and Christ 
to be crucified. 9 Pilate warmly expostulates 
with them, 20 washes his hands of Christ's blood, 
23 and sentences him to be whipped and crucified. 

THEN Pilate having called together 
Nicodemus, and the fifteen men 
who said that Jesus was not born through 
fornication, said to them, What shall we 
do, seeing there is like to be a tumult 
among the people ? * 

2 They say unto him, We know not ; 
Jet them look to it who raise the tumult. 

3 Pilate then called the multitude 
again, and said to them, Ye know that 
ye have a custom, that I should release 
to you one prisoner at the feast of the 
passover : 

4 I have a noted prisoner, a murderer, 
who is called Barabbas, and Jesus who 
is called Christ, in whom I find nothing 
that deserves death : which of them 
therefore have you a mind that I should 
release to you ? k 

5 They all cry out, and say, Release 
to us Barabbas. 

6 Pilate saith to them, What then 
shall I do with Jesus who is called 
Christ ? 

7 They all answer, Let him be cruci- 
fied. 

8 Again they cry out and say to Pi- 
late, You are not the friend of Caesar, if 
you release this man j for he hath de- 
clared that he is the Son of God, and a 
king. But are you inclined that he should 
be king, and not Caesar ? 

9 Then Pilate filled with anger said 
to them, Your nation hath always been 
seditious, and you are always against 
those who have been serviceable to you. 

10 The Jews replied, Who are those 
who have been serviceable to us ? 



NICODEMUS. Pilate exculpates himself. 

11 Pilate answered them, Your God 
who delivered you from the hard bond- 
age of the Egyptians, and brought you 
over the Red Sea as though it had been 
dry land, and fed you in the wilderness 
with manna and the flesh of quails, and 
brought water out of the rock, and gave 
you a law from heaven ; 

12 Ye provoked him all ways, and 
desired for yourselves a molten calf, and 
worshipped it, and sacrified to it, and 
said, These are thy Gods, Israel, which 
brought thee out of the land of Egypt ! 

13 On account of which your God 
was inclined to destroy you ; but Moses 
interceded for you, and your God heard 
him, and forgave your iniquity. 

14 Afterwards ye were enraged against 
and would have killed your prophets, 
Moses and Aaron, when they fled to the 
tabernacle, and ye were always murmur- 
ing against God and his prophets. 

15 And arising from his judgment- 
seat, he would have gone out ; but the 
Jews all cried out, We acknowledge Cae- 
sar to be king, and not Jesus. 

16 Whereas this person, as soon as 
he was born, the wise men came and 
offered gifts unto him ; which when He- 
rod heard, he was exceedingly troubled, 
and would have killed him. 

17 When his father knew this, he 
fled with him and his mother Mary into 
Egypt. Herod, when he heard he was 
born, would have killed him ; and ac- 
cordingly sent and slew all the children 
which were in Bethlehem, and in all the 
coasts thereof, from two years old and 
under. m 

18 When Pilate heard this account, 
he was afraid ; and commanding silence 
among the people, who made a noise, he 
said to Jesus, Art thou therefore a king ? 

19 All the Jews replied to Pilate, He 
is the very person whom Herod sought 
to have slain. 

20 Then Pilate taking water, washed 
his hands before the people, and said, I 
am innocent of the blood of this just 
person ; look ye to it. n 

21 The Jews answered and said, His 
blood be upon us and our children. 

22 Then Pilate commanded Jesus to 
be brought before him, and spake to him 
in the following words : 

23 Thy own nation hath charged thee 
as making thyself a king ; wherefore I, 



h John, xi. 1, &c. i Matt, xxvii. 24. k Matt, 
xxvii. 21, &c. 1 John. xix. 12. 



m Matt. ii. 



n Matt, xxvii. 24. &c. 

39 



Christ crucified. 



NICODEMUS 



Signs and wonders. 



Herod, sentence thee to be whipped ac- 
cording to the laws of former governors ; 
and that thou be first bound, then hanged 
upon a cross in that place where thou 
art now a prisoner ; and also two crimi- 
nals with thee, whose names are Dimas 
and Gestas. 

CHAP. VII. 

Manner of Christ's crucifixion with the two thieves. 

I HEN Jesus went out of the hall, 
and the two thieves with him ; 

2 And when they came to the place 
called Golgotha, they stript him of his 
raiment, and girt him about with a linen 
cloth, and put a crown of thorns upon 
his head, and put a reed in his hand. 

3 And in like manner did they to the 
two thieves who were crucified with 
him, Dimas on his right hand, and Ges- 
tas on his left. 

4 But Jesus said, My Father, forgive 
them ; for they know not what they do. 

5 And they divided his garments, and 
upon his vesture they cast lots. 

6 The people in the mean time stood 
by, and the chief priests and elders of 
the Jews mocked him, saying, He saved 
others, let him now save himself if he 
can; if he be the Son of God, let him 
now come do;vn from the cross. 

7 The soldiers also mocked him, and 
taking vinegar and gall, offered it to him 
to drink, and said to him, If thou art 
king of the Jews, deliver thyself. 

8 Then Longinus, a certain soldier, 
taking a spear,p pierced his side, and 
presently there came forth blood and 
water. 

9 And Pilate wrote the title upon the 
cross in Hebrew, Latin, and Greek let- 
ters, viz., This is the king of the Jews. * 

10 But one of the two thieves who 
were crucified with Jesus, whose name 
was Gestas, said to Jesus, If thou art the 
Christ, deliver thyself and us. 

1 1 But the thief who was crucified on 
his right hand whose name was Dimas, 
answering, rebuked him, and said, Dost 
not thou fear God, who art condemned 
to this punishment ? We indeed receive 
rightly and justly the demerit of our ac- 
tions ; but this Jesus, what evil hath he 
done ? 

12 After this, groaning, he said to 
Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou 
comest into thy kingdom. 

o Matt, xxvii. 33. p John, xix. 34. q John, xix. 10. 

40 



13 Jesus answering, said to him, Ve- 
rily I say unto thee, that this day thou 
shalt be with me in Paradise. 

CHAP. VIII. 

1 Miraculous appearances at his death. 10 The 
Jews say the eclipse was natural. 12 Joseph of 
Arimathaea embalms Christ's body and buries it. 

ND it was about the sixth hour, r and 
darkness was upon the face of the 
whole earth until the ninth hour. 

2 And while the sun was eclipsed, 
behold the vail of the temple was rent 
from the top to the bottom ; and the rocks 
also were rent, and the graves opened, 
and many bodies of saints, which slept, 
arose. 

3 And about the ninth hour Jesus 
cried out with a loud voice, saying, He- 
ly, Hely, lama zabathani ? which, being 
interpreted, is, My God, my God, why 
hast thou forsaken me ? 

4 And after these things, Jesus said, 
Father, into thy hands I commend my 
spirit; and having said this, he gave up 
the ghost. 

5 But when the centurion saw that 
Jesus thus crying out gave up the ghost, 
he glorified God, and said, Of a truth this 
was a just man. 

6 And all the people who stood by 
were exceedingly troubled at the sight ; 
and, reflecting upon what had passed, 
smote upon their breasts, and then re- 
turned to the city of Jerusalem. 

7 The centurion went to the governor, 
and related to him all that had passed. 

8 And when he had heard all these 
things, he was exceeding sorrowful ; 

9 And calling the Jews together, said 
to them, Have ye seen the miracle of the 
sun's eclipse, and the other things which 
came to pass, while Jesus was dying? 

10 Which when the Jews heard, they 
answered to the governor, The eclipse 
of the sun happened according to its 
usual custom. 

11 But all those who were the ac- 
quaintance of Christ, stood at a distance, 
as did the women who had followed Je- 
sus from Galilee, observing all these 
things. 

12 And 9 behold a certain man of Ari- 
mathaea, named Joseph, who also was a 
disciple of Jesus, but not openly so, for 
fear of the Jews, came to the governor, 
and entreated the governor that he would 



r Matt, xxvii. 45, &c. * John, xix. 38. 



The Jews imprison 



NICODEMUS. 



Joseph of Arimathaa. 



five him leave to take away the body of 
esus from the cross. 

13 And the governor gave him leave. 

14 And Nicodemus came, bringing 
with him a mixture of myrrh and aloes, 
about a hundred pounds weight ; and 
they took down Jesus from the cross with 
tears, and bound him in linen clothes 
with spices, according to the custom of 
burying among the Jews, 

15 And placed him in a new tomb, 
which Joseph had built, and caused to 
be cut out of a rock, in which never any 
man had been put; and they rolled a 
great stone to the door of the sepulchre. 

CHAP. IX. 

1 The Jews angry with Nicodemus, 5 and with Jo- 
seph of Arfinathaea, 7 whom they imprison. 

WHEN the unjust Jews heard that 
Joseph had begged and buried the 
body of Jesus, they sought after Nicode- 
mus, and those fifteen men who had tes- 
tified before the governor that Jesus was 
not born through fornication, and other 
good persons, who had shewn any good 
actions towards him. 

2 But when they all concealed them- 
selves through fear of the Jews, Nico- 
demus alone shewed himself to them, 
and said, How can such persons as these 
enter into the synagogue ? 

3 The Jews answered him, But how 
durst thou enter into the synagogue, who 
wast a confederate with Christ ? Let thy 
lot be along with him in the other world. 

4 Nicodemus answered, Amen; so 
may it be, that I may have my lot with 
him in his kingdom. 

5 In like manner Joseph, when he 
came to the Jews, said to them, Why 
are ye angry with me for desiring the 
body of Jesus of Pilate ? Behold, I nave 
put him in my tomb, and wrapped him 
up in clean linen, and put a stone at the 
door of the sepulchre. 

6 I have acted rightly towards him ; 
but ye have acted unjustly against that 
just person, in crucifying him, giving 
him vinegar and water to drink, crown- 
ing him with thorns, tearing his body 
with whips, and prayed down the guilt 
of his blood upon you. 

7 The Jews at the hearing of this 
were disquieted and troubled; and they 
seized Joseph, and commanded him to 
be put in custody before the sabbath, and 
kept there till the sabbath was over. 

8 And they said to him, Make con- 



fession ; for at this time it is not lawful 
to do thee any harm, till the first day of 
the week come. But we know that thou 
wilt not be thought worthy of a burial ; 
but we will give thy flesh to the birds 
of the air, and the beasts of the earth. 

9 Joseph answered, That speech is 
like the speech of proud Goliath, who 
reproached the living God in speaking 
against David. But ye scribes and doc- 
tors know, that God saith by the prophet, 
Vengeance is mine, and I will repay to 
you l evil equal to that which ye have 
threatened to me. 

10 The God whom you have hanged 
upon the cross, is able to deliver me out 
of your hands. All your wickedness 
will return upon you. 

1 1 For the governor, when he washed 
his hands, said, I am clear of the blood 
of this just person. But ye answered 
and cried out, His blood be upon us and 
our children. According as ye have said, 
may ye perish for ever. 

12 The eiders of the Jews, hearing 
these words, w^ere exceedingly enraged ; 
and seizing Joseph, they put him into a 
chamber where there was no window ; 
they fastened the door, and put a seal 
upon the lock ; 

13 And Annas and Caiaphas placed 
a guard about it, and took counsel with 
the priests and Levites, that they should 
all meet after the sabbath, and contrived 
to what death they should put Joseph. 

14 When they had done this, the ru- 
lers, Annas and Caiaphas, order Joseph 
to be brought forth. 

IT In this place there is a portion of the 
Gospel lost or omitted, zvhich cannot be 
supplied. 

CHAP. X. 

1 Joseph's escape. 2 The soldiers relate Christ's 
resurrection. 18 Christ is seen preaching in Gali- 
lee. 21 The Jews repent of their cruelty to him. 

WHEN all the assembly heard this, 
they admired and were astonished, 
because they found the same seal upon 
the lock of the chamber, and could not 
find Joseph. 

2 Then Annas and Caiaphas went 
forth, and while they were all admiring 
at Joseph's being gone, behold one of ihe 
soldiers who kept the sepulchre of Jesus, 
spake in the assembly, 

3 u That while they were guarding 



t Dent, xxxii. 35 Heb. x. 30. 
12, &c. 



u Matt, xxviii. 11, 

41 



Chrisfs resurrection 



NICODEMUS 



and appearance in Galilee. 



the sepulchre of Jesus, there was an 
earthquake; and we saw an angel of 
God roll away the stone of the sepulchre 
and v sit upon it ; 

4 And his countenance was like light- 
ning, and his garment like snow; and 
we became through fear like persons 
dead. 

5 And we heard an angel saying to 
the women at the sepulchre, Do not fear; 
I know that ye seek Jesus who was cru- 
cified ; he is risen as he foretold. 

6 Come and see the place where he 
was laid ; and go presently, and tell his 
disciples that he is risen, and he will go 
before you into Galilee ; there ye shall 
see him, as he told you. 

7 Then the Jews called together all 
the soldiers who kept the sepulchre of 
Jesus, and said to them, Who are those 
women to whom the angel spake ? Why 
did ye not seize them ? 

8 The soldiers answered and said, We 
know not who the women were; besides, 
we became as dead persons through fear, 
and how could we seize those women ? 

9 The Jews said to them, As the Lord 
liveth, we do not believe you. 

10 The soldiers answering, said to the 
Jews, When ye saw and heard Jesus 
working so many miracles, and did not 
believe him, how should ye believe us ? 
Ye well said, As the Lord liveth, for the 
Lord truly does live. 

11 We have heard that ye shut up 
Joseph, who buried the body of Jesus, 
in a chamber, under a lock which was 
sealed; and when ye opened it, found 
him not there. 

12 Do ye then produce Joseph whom 
ye put under guard in the chamber, and 
we will produce Jesus whom we guarded 
in the sepulchre. 

13 The Jews answered and said, We 
will produce Joseph, do ye produce Je- 
sus. But Joseph is in his own city of 
Arimathaea. 

14 The soldiers replied, If Joseph is 
in Arimathaea, and Jesus in Galilee, we 
heard the angel inform the women. 

15 The Jews hearing this, were afraid, 
and said among themselves, If by any 
means these things should become pub- 
lic, then everybody will believe in Jesus. 

16 Then they gathered a large sum of 
money, and gave it to the soldiers, say- 
ing, Do ye tell the people that the disci- 



42 



v Matt, xxviii. 1, 2, &c. 



pies of Jesus came in the night when ye 
were asleep, and stole away the body of 
Jesus ; and if Pilate the governor should 
hear of this, we will satisfy him and se- 
cure you. 

17 The soldiers accordingly took the 
money, and said as they were instructed 
by the Jews ; and their report was spread 
abroad among all the people. 

18 IT But a certain priest, Phinees, Ada, 
a schoolmaster, and a Levite, named 
Ageus, they three came from Galilee to 
Jerusalem, and told the chief priests and 
all who were in the synagogues, saying, 

19 We have seen Jesus, whom ye 
crucified, talking with his eleven disci- 
ples, and sitting in the midst of them, in 
Mount Olivet, and saying to them, w 

20 Go forth into the whole world, 
preach the Gospel to all nations, baptiz- 
ing them in the name of the Father, and 
the Son, and the Holy Ghost ; and who- 
soever shall believe and be baptized, 
shall be saved. 

21 And when he had said these things 
to his disciples, we saw him ascending 
up to heaven. 

22 When the chief priests, and elders, 
and Levites heard these things, they said 
to these three men, Give glory to the 
God of Israel, and make confession to 
him, whether these things be true, which 
ye say ye have seen and heard. 

23 They answering, said, As the Lord 
of our fathers liveth, the God of Abra- 
ham, and the God of Isaac, and the God 
of Jacob, according as we heard Jesus 
talking with his disciples, and according 
as we saw him ascending up to heaven, 
so we have related the truth to you. 

24 And the three men farther answer- 
ed and said, adding these words, If we 
should not own the words which we 
heard Jesus speak, and that we saw him 
ascending into heaven, we should be 
guilty of sin. 

25 Then the chief priests immediately 
rose up, and holding the book of the law 
in their hands, conjured those men, say- 
ing, Ye shall no more hereafter ever de- 
clare those things which ye have spoke 
concerning Jesus. 

26 And they gave them a large sum 
of money, and sent other persons along 
with them, who should conduct them to 
their own country, that they might not 
make any stay at Jerusalem." 



^ Matt, xxviii. 16, »nd Mark, xvi. li. 



Joseph relates 



27 Then the Jews did assemble all 
together, and having expressed the most 
lamentable concern, said, What is this 
extraordinary thing which is come to 
pass in Jerusalem ? 

28 But Annas and Caiaphas comforted 
them, saying, Why should we believe 
the soldiers who guarded the sepulchre 
of Jesus, in telling us that an angel rolled 
away the stone from the door of the se- 
pulchre ? 

29 Perhaps his own disciples told 
them this, and gave them money that 
they should say so, and they themselves 
took away the body of Jesus. 

30 Besides, consider this, that there is 
no credit to be given to foreigners/ be- 
cause they also took a large sum of us, 
and they have declared to us according 
to the instructions which we gave them. 
They must either be faithful to us, or to 
the disciples of Jesus. 

CHAP. XI. 

1 Nicodemus counsels the Jews. 6 Joseph found. 
11 Invited by the Jews to return. 19 Relates the 
manner of his miraculous escupe. 

THEN Nicodemus arose, and said, 
Ye say right, sons of Israel, ye 
have heard what those three men have 
swore by the Law of God, who said, We 
have seen Jesus speaking with his disci- 
ples upon mount Olivet, and we saw him 
ascending up to heaven. 

2 And the Scripture teacheth us that 
the blessed prophet Elijah was taken up 
to heaven ; and Elisha being asked by the 
sons of the prophets, Where is our father 
Elijah? he said to them, that he is taken 
up to heaven. 

3 And the sons of the prophets said to 
him, Perhaps the spirit hath carried him 
into one of the mountains of Israel, there 
perhaps we shall find him. And they 
besought Elisha, and he walked about 
with them three days, and they could not 
find him. 

4 And now hear me, O sons of Israel, 
and let us send men into the mountains of 
Israel, lest perhaps the spirit hath carried 
away Jesus, and there perhaps we shall 
find him, and be satisfied. 

5 And the counsel of Nicodemus pleas- 
ed all the people ; and they sent forth men 
who sought for Jesus, but could not find 
him; and they returning, said, We went 
all about, but could not find Jesus, but 

x Heathens, 



NICODEMUS. his escape. 

we have found Joseph in his city of Ari- 
mathaea. 

6 The rulers hearing this, and all the 
people, were glad, and praised the God of 
Israel, because Joseph was found whom 
they had shut up in a chamber, and could 
not find. 

7 And when they had formed a large 
assembly, the chief priests said, By what 
means shall we bring Joseph to us to 
speak with him ? 

8 And taking a piece of paper, they 
wrote to him, and said, Peace be with 
thee, and all thy family. We know that 
we have offended against God and thee. 
Be pleased to give a visit to us your fa- 
thers, for we were perfectly surprised at 
your escape from prison. 

9 We know that it was malicious coun- 
sel which we took against thee, and that 
the Lord took care of thee, and the Lord 
himself delivered thee from our designs. 
Peace be unto thee, Joseph, who art hon- 
ourable among all the people. 

10 And they chose seven of Joseph's 
friends, and said to them, When ye come 
to Joseph, salute him in peace, and give 
hirn this letter. 

1 1 Accordingly, when the men came 
to Joseph, they did salute him in peace, 
and gave him the letter. 

12 And when Joseph had read it, he 
said, Blessed be the Lord God, who didst 
deliver me from the Israelites, that they 
could not shed my blood. Blessed be 
God, who hast protected me under thy 
wings. 

13 And Joseph kissed them, and took 
them into his house. And on the mor- 
row, Joseph mounted his ass, and went 
along with them to Jerusalem. 

14 And when all the Jews heard these 
things, they went out to meet him, and 
cried out, saying, Peace attend thy com- 
ing hither, father Joseph. 

15 To which he answered, Prosperity 
from the Lord attend all the people. 

1 6 And they all kissed him ; and Nico- 
demus took him to his house, having pro- 
vided a large entertainment. 

17 But on the morrow, being a pre- 
paration-day, Annas and Caiaphas, and 
Nicodemus, said to Joseph, Make confes- 
sion to the God of Israel, and answer to 
us all those questions which we shall ask 
thee; 

18 For we have been very much trou- 
bled that thou didst bury the body of Je- 
sus ; and that when we had locked thee 

43 



Testimony of 



NICODEMUS. 



Charinus and Lenthius. 



in a chamber, we could not find thee ; 
and we have been afraid ever since, till 
this time of thy appearing among us. 
Tell us therefore before God, all that came 
to pass. 

19 Then Joseph answering, said. Ye 
did indeed put me under confinement on 
the day of preparation, till the morning. 

20 But while 1 was standing at prayer 
in the middle of the night, the house was 
surrounded with four angels; and I saw 
Jesus as the brightnesss of the sun, and 
fell down upon the earth for fear. 

21 But Jesus laying hold on my hand, 
lifted me up from the ground, and the 
dew was then sprinkled upon me ; but 
he, wiping my face, kissed me, and said 
unto me, Fear not, Joseph ; look upon 
me, for it is I. 

22 Then I looked upon him, and said, 
Rabboni Elias ! He answeied me, I am 
not Elias, but Jesus of Nazareth, whose 
body thou didst bury. 

23 I said to him, Shew me the tomb 
in which I laid thee. 

24 Then Jesus, taking me by the hand, 
led me unto the place where I laid him, 
and shewed me the linen clothes and nap- 
kin which I put round his head. Then 
I knew that it was Jesus, and worshipped 
him, and said, Blessed be he who cometh 
in the name of the Lord. 

25 Jesus again taking me by the hand, 
led me to Arimathaea, to my own house, 
and said to me, Peace be to thee ; but go 
not out of thy house till the fortieth day : 
but I must go to my disciples. 

CHAP. XI r. 

1. The Jews astonished and confounded. 14 Si- 
meon's two sons, Charinus and Lenthius, rise from 
the dead at Christ's crucifixion. 19 Joseph proposes 
to get them to relate the mysteries of their resur- 
rection. 21 They are sought and found, 22 brought 
to the synagogue, 23 privately sworn to secrecy, 
25 and undertake to write what they had seen. 

r HEN the chief priests and Levites 
heard all these things, they were 
astonished, and fell down with their faces 
on the ground, as dead men, and crying 
out to one another, said, What is this ex- 
traordinary sign which is come to pass in 
Jerusalem ? We know the father and 
mother of Jesus. 

2 And a certain Levite said, I know 
many of his relations, religious persons, 
who are wont to offer sacrifices and burnt 
offerings to the God of Israel, in the tem- 
ple, with prayers. 

3 And when the high priest Simeon 

44 



took him up in his arms, he said to him, 
yLord, now lettest thou thy servant de- 
part in peace, according to thy word ; for 
mine eyes have seen thy salvation, which 
thou hast prepared before the face of all 
people : a light to enlighten the Gentiles, 
and the glory of thy people Israel. 

4 Simeon in like manner blessed Mary 
the mother of Jesus, and said to her, 1 de- 
clare to thee concerning that child ; He is 
appointed for the fall and rising again of 
many, and for a sign which shall be 
spoken against. 

5 Yea, a sword shall pierce through 
thine own soul also, and the thoughts of 
many hearts shall be revealed. 

6 Then said all the Jews, Let us send 
to those three men, who said they saw 
him talking with his disciples in mount 
Olivet. 

7 After this, they asked them what 
they had seen ; who answered with one 
accord, In the presence of the God of Is- 
rael, we affirm, that we plainly saw Jesus 
talking with his disciples in mount Olivet, 
and ascending up to heaven. 

8 Then Annas and Caiaphas took them 
into separate places, and examined them 
separately ; who unanimously confessed 
the truth, and said, they had seen Jesus. 

9 Then Annas and Caiaphas said, Our 
law saith, By the mouth of two or three 
witnesses every word shall be establish- 
ed. 51 

1 But what have we said ? The bless- 
ed Enoch pleased God, and was translated 
by the word of God ; and the burying- 
place of the blessed Moses is not known. 

1 1 But Jesus was delivered to Pilate, 
whipped, crowned with thorns, spit upon, 
pierced with a spear, crucified, died upon 
the cross, and was buried, and his body 
the honourable Joseph buried in a new se- 
pulchre, and he testifies that he saw him 
alive ; 

12 And besides, these men have de- 
clared, that they saw him talking with his 
disciples in mount Olivet, and ascending 
up to heaven. 

13 II Then Joseph, rising up, said to 
Annas and Caiaphas, Ye may be justly 
under a great surprise, that you have been 
told, that Jesus is alive, and gone up to 
heaven. 

14 It is indeed a thing really surpris- 
ing, that he should not only himself arise 
from the dead, but also raise others from 

7 Luke, ii, 29, * Deut, xvii. 0. 



Narrative of 



their graves, who have been seen by many 
in Jerusalem. 11 

15 And now hear me a little : We all 
knew the blessed Simeon the high priest, 
who took Jesus, when an infant, in his 
arms in the temple. 

16 This same Simeon had two sons of 
his own, and we were all present at their 
death and funeral. 

17 Go, therefore, and see their tombs, 
for these are open, and they are risen ; and 
behold, they are in the city of Arimathaea, 
spending their time together in offices of 
devotion. 

1 8 Some, indeed, have heard the sound 
of their voices in prayer; but they will 
not discourse with any one, but they con- 
tinue as mute as dead men. 

19 But come, let us go to them, and be- 
have ourselves towards them with all due 
respect and caution. And if we can bring 
them to swear, perhaps they will tell us 
some of the mysteries of their resurrec- 
tion. 

20 When the Jews heard this, they 
were exceedingly rejoiced. 

21 Then Annas and Caiaphas, Nico- 
demus, Joseph, and Gamaliel, went to 
Arimatha?a, but did not find them in their 
graves ; but walking about the city, they 
found them on their bended knees at their 
devotions. 

22 Then saluting them with all respect 
and deference to God, they brought them 
to the synagogue at Jerusalem ; and hav- 
ing shut the gates, they took the book of 
the Law of the Lord, 

23 And putting it in their hands, swore 
them by God Adonai, and the God of Is- 
rael, who spake to our fathers by the law 
and the prophets, saying, If ye believe 
him who raised you from the dead, to be 
Jesus, tell us what ye have seen, and how 
ye were raised ffom the dead. 

24 Charinus and Lenthius, the two 
sons of Simeon, trembled when they heard 
these things, and were disturbed, and 
groaned ; and at the same time looking up 
to heaven, they made the sign of the cross 
with their fingers on their tongues. 

25 And immediately they spake, and 
said, Give each of us some paper, and we 
will write down for you all those things 
which we have seen. And they each sat 
down and wrote, saying, 

» Matt, xxvii. 53, 



o 



NICODEMUS. Charinus and Lenthius ■ 

CHAP. XIII. 

1 The narrative of Charinus and Lenthius com- 
mences. 2 A great light in hell. 7 Simeon ar- 
rives, and announces the coming of Christ. 

LORD Jesus and Father, who art 
God, also the resurrection and life 
of the dead, give us leave to declare thy 
mysteries, which we saw after death be- 
longing to thy cross; for we are sworn by 
thy name. 

2 For thou hast forbid thy servants to 
declare the secret things, which were 
wrought by thy divine power in hell. 

3 IT When we were placed with our fa- 
thers in the depth of hell, in the blackness 
of darkness, on a sudden there appeared 
the color of the sun like gold, and a sub- 
stantial purple-colored light enlightening 
the place. 

4 Presently upon this, Adam, the fa- 
ther of all mankind, with all the patri- 
archs and prophets, rejoiced and said, 
That light is the author of everlasting 
light, who hath promised to translate us 
to everlasting light. 

5 Then Isaiah the prophet cried out, 
and said, b This is the light of the Father, 
and the Son of God, according to my pro- 
phecy when I was alive upon earth. 

6 The land of Zabulon, and the land 
of Nephthalim beyond Jordan, a people 
who walked in darkness, saw a great 
light ; and to them who dwelled in the re- 
gion of the shadow of death, light is aris- 
en. And now he is come, and hath en- 
lightened us who sat in death. 

7 And while we are all rejoicing in the 
light which shone upon us, our father Si- 
meon came among us, and congratulating 
all the company, said, Glorify the Lord 
Jesus Christ the Son of God. 

8 Whom I took up in my arms when 
an infant in the temple, and being moved 
by the Holy Ghost, said to him, and ac- 
knowledged, That now mine eyes have 
seen thy salvation, which thou hast pre- 
pared before the face of all people; alight 
to enlighten the Gentiles, and the glory cf 
thy people Israel. 

9 All the saints who were in the depth 
of hell, hearing this, rejoiced the more. 

10 Afterwards there came forth one 
like a 1 ittle hermit, and was asked by every 
one, Who art thou ? 

1 1 To which he replied, I am the voice 
of one crying in the wilderness, John the 
Baptist, and the prophet of the Most High, 



b Isai. ix. 1. Matt, iv. 16. 



c Luke, ii. 29 

45 



Debates in hell 



NICODEMUS. 



concerning Christ 



who went before his coming to prepare 
his way, to give the knowledge of salva- 
tion to his people for the forgiveness of 
sins. 

12 And I, John, when I saw Jesus 
coming to me, being moved by the Holy 
Ghost, I said, Behold the Lamb of God, 
bebold him who* takes away the sins of 
the world. 

1 3 And I baptized him in the river Jor- 
dan, and saw the Holy Ghost descending 
upon him in the form of a dove, and heard 
a voice from heaven, saying, This is my 
beloved son, in whom I am well pleased. 

14 And now while I was going before 
him, 1 came down hither to acquaint you, 
that the Son of God will next visit us, and 
as the day-spring from on high will come 
to us, who are in darkness and the shadow 
of death. 

CHAP. XIV. 

Adam causes Seth to relate what he heard from Mi- 
chael the archangel, when he sent him to Paradise 
to entreat God to anoint his head in his sickness. 

BUT when the first man our father 
Adam heard these things, that Jesus 
was baptized in Jordan , d he called out to 
his son Seth, and said. 

2 Declare to your sons, the patriarchs 
and prophets, all those things which thou 
didst hear from Michael the archangel, 
when 1 sent thee to the gates of Paradise, 
to entreat God that he w T ould anoint my 
head when I was sick. 

3 Then Seth, coming near to the patri- 
archs and prophets, said, I Seth, when I 
was praying to God at the gates of Para- 
dise, beheld the angel of the Lord, Mi- 
chael, appear unto me, saying, I am sent 
unto thee from the Lord ; I am appointed 
to preside over human bodies. 

4 I tell thee, Seth, do not pray to God 
in tears, and entreat him for the oil of the 
tree of mercy, wherewith to anoint thy 
father Adam for his head -ache ; 

5 Because thou canst not by any means 
obtain it, till the last day and times, name- 
ly, till five thousand five hundred years be 
passed. 

6 Then will Christ, the most merciful 
Son of God, come on earth, to raise again 
the human body of Adam, and at the same 
time to raise the bodies of the dead, and 
when he cometh he will be baptized in 
Jordan ; 

7 Then with the oil of his mercy he 



d Matt. iii. 13. 



will anoint all those who believe on him ; 
and the oil of his mercy will continue to 
future generations, for those who shall be 
born of the water and the Holy Ghost un- 
to eternal life. 

8 And when at that time the most mer- 
ciful Son of God, Christ Jesus, shall come 
down on earth, he will introduce our fa- 
ther Adam into Paradise, to the tree of 
mercy. 

9 When all the patriarchs and prophets 
heard all these things from Seth, they re- 
joiced more. 

CHAP. XV. 

Quarrel between Satan and the prince of hell, con- 
cerning the expected arrival of Christ in hell.e 

WHILE all the saints were rejoicing, 
behold Satan, the prince and cap- 
tain of death, said to the prince of hell, 

2 Prepare to receive Jesus of Nazareth 
himself, who boasted that he was the Son 
of God, and yet was a man afraid of 
death, and said/ my soul is sorrowful 
even to death. 

3 Besides, he did many injuries to me 
and to many others ; for those whom I 
made blind and lame, and those also whom 
I tormented with several devils, he cured 
by his word ; yea, and those whom I 
brought dead to thee, he by force takes 
away from thee. 

4 To this the prince of hell replied to 
Satan, Who is that so powerful prince, 
and yet a man who is afraid of death ? 

5 For all the potentates of the earth are 
subject to my power, whom thou brought- 
est to subjection by thy power. 

6 But if he be so powerful in his hu- 
man nature, I affirm to thee for truth, that 
he is almighty in his divine nature, and 
no man can resist his power. 

7 When, therefore, he said he was 
afraid of death, he designed to ensnare 
thee, and unhappy it will be to thee for 
everlasting ages. 

8 Then Satan replying, said to the 
prince of hell, w r hy didst thou express a 
doubt, and wast afraid to receive that Je- 
sus of Nazareth, both thy adversary and 
mine ? 

9 As for me, I tempted him, and stir- 
red up my old people the Jews with zeal 
and anger against him ; 

10 I sharpened the spear for his suf- 
fering ; I mixed the gall and vinegar, and 

e St. Jerome affirms that the soul of Christ went 
to hell, f Matt, xxvi. 38. 



46 



Christ's arrival 



commanded that he should drink it; I 
prepared the cross to crucify him, and the 
nails to pierce through his hands and feet ; 
and now his death is near at hand, I will 
bring him hither, subject both to thee and 
me. 

1 1 Then the prince of hell answering, 
said, Thou saidst to me just now, that he 
took away the dead from me by force. 

12 They who have been kept here till 
they should live again upon earth, were 
taken away hence, not by their own pow- 
er, but by prayers made to God, and their 
almighty God took them from me. 

13. Who then is that Jesus of Nazar- 
eth, that by his word hath taken away 
the dead from me without prayer to God ? 

14 Perhaps it is the same who took 
away from me Lazarus, after he had been 
four days dead, and did both stink and 
was rotten, and of whom 1 had posses- 
sion as a dead person, yet he brought him 
to life again by his power. 

15 Satan answering, replied to the 
prince of hell, It is the very same person, 
Jesus of Nazareth. 

16 Which when the prince of hell 
heard, he said to him, I adjure thee by the 
powers which belong to thee and me, that 
thou bring him not to me. 

1 7 For when I heard of the power of 
his word, 1 trembled for fear, and all my 
impious company were at the same dis- 
turbed ; 

18 And we were not able to detain 
Lazarus,s but he gave himself a shake, 
and with all the signs of malice, he im- 
mediately went away from us ; and the 
very earth, in which the dead body of 
Lazarus was lodged, presently turned him 
out alive. 

19 And I know now that he is Al- 
mighty God, who could perform such 
things, who is mighty in his dominion, 
and mighty in his human nature, who is 
the Saviour of mankind. 

20 Bring not therefore this person hith- 
er ^for he will set at liberty all those whom 
I hold in prison under unbelief, and bound 
with the fetters of their sins, and will con- 
duct them to everlasting life. 

CHAP. XVI. 

1 Christs's arrival at hell's gates ; the confusion there- 
upon. 19 He descends into hell. 

AND while Satan and the prince of 
hell were discoursing thus to each 

g John, xi. 



N1CODEMUS. at HelVs gates. 

other, on a sudden there was a voice as 
of thunder and the rushing of winds, say- 
ing, 11 Lift up your gates, ye princes ; 
and be ye lift up, everlasting gates, and 
the King of Glory shall come in. 

2 When the prince of hell heard this, 
he said to Satan, Depart from me, and be- 
gone out of my habitations : if thou art a 
powerful warrior, fight with the King of 
Glory. But what hast thou to do with 
him? 

3 And he cast him forth from his habi- 
tations. 

4 And the prince said to his impious 
officers, Shut the brass gates of cruelty, 
and make them fast with iron bars, and 
fight courageously, lest we be taken cap- 
tives. 

5 But when all the company of the 
saints heard this, they spake with a loud 
voice of anger to the prince of hell, 

6 Open thy gates, that the King of 
Glory may come in. 

7 And the divine prophet David cried 
out, saying,* Did not I, when on earth, 
truly prophesy and say, O that men would 
praise the Lord for his forgiveness, and 
for his wonderful works to the children 
of men ! 

8 For he hath broken the gates of 
brass, and cut the bars of iron in sunder. 
He hath taken them because of their ini- 
quity, and because of their unrighteous- 
ness they are afflicted. 

9 After this, another prophet, k namely, 
holy Isaiah, spake in like manner to all 
the saints, Did not I rightly prophesy to 
you, when I was alive on earth ? 

10 The dead men shall live, and they 
shall rise again who are in their graves, 
and they shall rejoice who are in earth ; 
for the dew which is from the Lord shall 
bring deliverance to them. 

1 1 And I said in another place, death, 
where is thy victory ? death, where is 
thy sting ? 

12 When all the saints heard these 
things spoken by Isaiah, they said to the 
prince of hell, 1 Open now thy gates, and 
take away thine iron bars, for thou wilt 
now be bound and have no power. 

1 3 Then was there a great voice, as of 
the sound of thunder, saying, Lift up your 
gates, princes ; and be ye lifted up, ye 
gates of hell, and the King of Glory will 
enter in. 



h Psalm xxiv. 7, &c. i Psalm cvii. 15, &c. k Isai- 
ah, xxvi. 19. ' Psalm xxiv. 7, &c. 

47 



Christ tramples on Death 



NICODEMUS. 



and takes Adam to glory. 



14 The prince of hell perceiving the 
same voice repeated, cried out, as though 
he had been ignorant, Who is that King 
of Glory? 

15 David replied to the prince of hell, 
and said, I understand the words of that 
voice, because I spake them by his spirit. 
And now, as I have above said, I say 
unto thee, The Lord strong and power- 
ful, the Lord mighty in battle; he is the 
King of Glory," and he is the Lord in 
heaven and in earth ; 

16 He hath looked down to hear the 
groans of the prisoners, and to set loose 
those that are appointed to death. m 

17 And now thou filthy and stinking 
prince of hell, open thy gates, that the 
King of Glory may enter in; for he is 
the Lord of heaven and earth. 

18 While David was saying this, the 
mighty Lord appeared in the form of a 
man, and enlightened those places which 
had ever before been darkness, 

19 And broke asunder the fetters which 
before could not be broken ; and with his 
invincible power visited those who sat in 
the deep darkness by iniquity, and the 
shadow of death by sin. n 

CHAP. XVII. 

1 Death and the devils in great horror at Christ's 
coming. 13 He tramples on death, seizes the 
prince of hell, and takes Adam with him to heaven. 

IMPIOUS death and her cruel officers 
hearing these things, were seized with 
fear in their several kingdoms, when they 
saw the clearness of the light, 

2 And Christ himself on a sudden ap- 
pearing in their habitations, they cried out 
therefore, and said, We are bound by 
thee ; thou seemest to intend our confu- 
sion before the Lord. 
t 3 Who art thou, who hast no signs of 
corruption, but that bright appearance 
which is a full proof of tny greatness, of 
which yet thou seemest to take no notice ? 

4 Who art thou, so powerful and so 
weak, so great and so little, a mean, and 
yet a soldier of the first rank, who can 
command in the form of a servant as a 
common soldier? 

5 The King of Glory, dead and alive, 
though once slain upon the cross ? 

6 Who layest dead in the grave, and 
art come down alive to us, and in thy 
death all the creatures trembled, and all 
the stars were moved, and now hast thy 

» Psalm cii. 19. 20. » Luke, i. 79. 

48 



liberty among the dead, and givest disturb- 
ance to our legions ? 

7 Who art thou, who dost release the 
captives that were held in chains by ori- 
ginal sin, and bringest them into their 
former liberty. 

8 W T ho art thou, who dost spread so 
glorious and divine a light over those who 
were made blind by the darkness of sin ? 

9 In like mannner all the legions of 
devils were seized with the like horror, 
and with the most submissive fear cried 
out, and said, 

10 Whence comes it, thou Jesus 
Christ, that thou art a man so powerful 
and glorious in majesty, so bright a3 to 
have no spot, and so pure as to have no 
crime ? For that lower world of earth, 
which was ever till now subject to us, and 
from whence we received tribute, never 
sent us such a dread man before, never 
sent such presents as these to the princes 
of hell. 

11 Who therefore art thou, who with 
such courage enterest among our abodes, 
and art not only not afraid to threaten us 
with the greatest punishments, but also 
endeavourest to rescue all others from the 
chains in which we hold them ? 

12 Perhaps thou art that Jesus, of 
whom Satan just now spake to our prince, 
that by the death of the cross thou wert 
about to recieve the power of death. 

13 Then the King of Glory trampling 
upon death, seized the prince of hell, de- 
prived him of all his power, and took our 
earthly father Adam with him to his glory. 

CHAP. XVIII. 

1 Beelzebub, prince of hell, vehemently upbraidi 
Satan for persecuting Christ and bringing him to 
hell. 14 Christ gives Beelzebub dominion over 
Satan for ever, as a recompense for taking away 
Adam and his sons. 

THEN the prince of hell took Satan, 
and with great indignation said to 
him, thou prince of destruction, author 
of Beelzebub's defeat and banishment, the 
scorn of God's angels, and loathed by all 
righteous persons ! what inclined thee to 
act thus ? 

2 Thou wouldst crucify the King of 
Glory, and by his destruction hast made 
us promises of very large advantages, but 
as a fool wert ignorant of what thou wast 
about. 

3 For behold now that Jesus of Naz- 
areth, with the brightness of his glorious 
divinity, puts to flight all the hornd pow- 
ers of darkness and death ; 



Satan subjected to Beelzebub. NICODEMUS. 



Departure from hell. 



4 He has broke down our prisons from 
top to bottom, dismissed all the captives, 
released all who were bound, and all who 
were wont formerly to groan under the 
weight of their torments, have now in- 
sulted us, and we are like to be defeated 
by their prayers. 

5 Our impious dominions are subdued, 
and no part of mankind is now left in 
our subjection, but on the other hand, they 
all boldly defy us ; 

6 Though, before, the dead never durst 
behave themselves insolently towards us, 
nor, being prisoners, could ever on any 
occasion be merry. 

7 IT Satan, thou prince of all the 
wicked, father of the impious and aban- 
doned, why wouldst thou attempt this 
exploit, seeing our prisoners were hitherto 
always without the least hopes of salva- 
tion and life ? 

8 But now there is not one of them 
does ever groan, nor is there the least ap- 
pearance of a tear in any of their faces. 

9 prince Satan, thou great keeper of 
the infernal regions, all thy advantages 
which thou didst acquire by the forbidden 
tree, and the loss of Paradise, thou hast 
now lost by the wood of the cross ; 

10 And thy happiness all then expired, 
when thou didst crucify Jesus Christ the 
King of Glory. 

1 1 Thou hast acted against thine own 
interest and mine, as thou wilt presently 
perceive by those large torments and in fi- 
nite punishments which thou art about to 
suffer. 

12 Satan, prince of all evil, author 
of death, and source of all pride, thou 
shouldst first have inquired into the evil 
crimes of Jesus of Nazareth, and then 
thou wouldst have found that he was 
guilty of no iault worthy of death. 

13 Why didst thou venture, without 
either reason or justice, to crucify him, 
and hast brought down to our regions a 
person innocent and righteous, and there- 
by hast lost all the sinners, impious and 
unrighteous persons in the whole world ? 

14 While the prince of hell was thus 
speaking to Satan, the King of Glory said 
to Beelzebub, the prince of hell, Satan the 
prince, shall be subject to thy dominion 
for ever, in the room of Adam and his 
righteous sons, who are mine. 

CHAP. XIX. 

1 Christ takes Adam by the hand, 3 the re9t of the 
saints join hands, 12 and they all ascend with 
him to Paradise. 



THEN Jesus stretched forth his hand, 
and said, Come to me, all ye my 
saints, who were created in my image, 
who were condemned by the tree of the 
forbidden fruit, and by the devil and death; 

2 Live now by the wood of my cross ; 
the devil, the prince of this world, is 
overcome, and death is conquered. 

3 Then presently all the saints were 
joined together under the hand of the 
most high God ; and the Lord Jesus laid 
hold on Adam's hand, and said to him, 
Peace be to thee, and all thy righteous 
posterity, which is mine. 

4 Then Adam, casting himself at the 
feet of Jesus, addressed himself to him 
with tears, in humble language, and a 
loud voice, saying, 

5 I will extol thee, Lord, for thou 
hast lifted me up, and hast not made my 
foes to rejoice over me. Lord my God, 
I cried unto thee and thou hast healed me. 

6 Lord, thou hast brought up my 
soul from the grave ; thou hast kept me 
alive, that I should not go down to the pit. 

7 Sing unto the Lord, all ye saints of 
his, and give thanks at the remembrance 
of his holiness. For his anger endureth 
but for a moment; in his favour is life. 

8 h\ like manner all the saints, pros- 
trate at the feet of Jesus, said with one 
voice, Thou art come, Redeemer of the 
world, and hast actually accomplished all 
things, which thou didst foretel by the 
law and thy holy prophets. 

9 Thou hast redeemed the living by 
thy cross, and art come down to us, that 
by the death of the cross thou mightest 
deliver us from hell, and by thy power 
from death. 

10 Lord, as thou hast put the en- 
signs of thy glory in heaven, and hast set 
up the sign of thy redemption, even thy 
cross on earth ; so, Lord, set the sign of 
the victory of thy cross in hell, that death 
may have dominion no longer. 

1 1 Then the Lord stretching forth his 
hand, made the sign of the cross upon 
Adam, and upon all his saints, 

12 And taking hold of Adam by his 
right hand he ascended from hell, and all 
the saints of God followed him. 

13 Then the royal prophet David boldly 
cried out, and said,P sing unto the Lord 
a new song, for he hath done marvellous 
things ; his right hand and his holy arm 
have gotten him the victory. 

o Psalm xxx. 1, &c. P Psalm xcviii. 1, &c. 

49 



Christ and the saints 



NICODEMUS. 



arrive in heaven 



14 The Lord hath made known his 
salvation, his righteousness hath he open- 
ly shewn in the sight of the heathen. 

15 And the whole multitude of saints 
answered, sayings This honour have all 
his saints, Amen, Praise ye the Lord. 

16 Afterwards, the prophet Habak- 
kuk r cried out, and said, Thou wentest 
forth for the salvation of thy people, even 
for the salvation of thy people. 

17 And all the saints said, 8 Blessed is 
he who cometh in the name of the Lord ; 
for the Lord hath enlightened us. This is 
our God for ever and ever ; he shall reign 
over us to everlasting ages, Amen. 

18 In like manner all the prophets 
spake the sacred things of his praise, and 
followed the Lord. 

CHAP. XX. 

1 Christ delivers Adam to Michael the archangel. 
3 They meet Enoch and Elijah in heaven, 5 and 
also the blessed thief, who relates how he came to 
Paradise. 

THEN the Lord holding Adam by the 
hand, delivered him to Michael the 
archangel ; and he led them into Paradise, 
filled with mercy and glory ; 

2 And two very ancient men met them, 
and were asked by the saints, Who are 
ye, who have not yet been with us in 
hell, and have had your bodies placed in 
Paradise ? 

3 One of them answering, said, 1 am 
Enoch, who was translated by the word 
of God ; l and this man who is with me, 
is Elijah the Tishbite, who was transla- 
ted in a fiery chariot. u 

4 Here we have hitherto been, and 
have not tasted death, but are now about 
to return at the coming of Antichrist, be- 
ing armed with divine signs and miracles, 
to engage with him in battle, and to be 
slain by him in Jerusalem, and to be taken 
up alive again into the clouds, after three 
days and a half. T 

5 IT And while the holy Enoch and 
Elias were relating this, behold there 
came another man in a miserable figure, 
carrying the sign of the cross upon his 
shoulders. 

6 And when all the saints saw him, 
they said to him, Who art thou ? For 
thy countenance is like a thief's; and 
why dost thou carry a cross upon thy 
shoulders ? 

7 To which he answering, said, Ye say 



q Psalm cxlix. 2. r Hab. iii. 13. » Matt, xxii 39. 
t Gen. v. 24. u 2 Kings, ii. 11. v Rev. xi. 11, 

50 



right, for 1 was a thief, who committed 
all sorts of wickedness upon earth. 

8 And the Jews crucified me with 
Jesus ; and I observed the surprising 
things which happened in the creation at 
the crucifixion of the Lord Jesus, 

9 And I believed him to be the Creator 
of all things, and the Almighty King ; 
and I prayed to him, saying, Lord, re- 
member me, when thou comest into thy 
kingdom. 

10 He presently regarded my supplica- 
tion, and said to me, Verily I say unto 
thee, this day thou shalt be with me in 
Paradise ? w 

11 And he gave me this sign of the 
cross, saying, Carry this, and go to Para- 
dise ; and if the angel who is the guard 
of Paradise will not admit thee, shew 
him the sign of the cross, and say unto 
him : Jesus Christ, who is now crucified, 
hath sent me hither to thee. 

12 When I did this, and told the angel 
who is the guard of Paradise all these 
things, and he heard them, he presently 
opened the gates, introduced me, and 
placed me on the right hand in Paradise, 

13 Saying, Stay here a little time, till 
Adam, the father of all mankind, shall 
enter in, with all his sons, who are the 
holy and righteous servants of Jesus 
Christ, who is crucified. 

^14 When they heard all this account 
from the thief, all the patriarchs said with 
one voice, Blessed be thou, Almighty 
God, the father of everlasting goodness, 
and the Father of mercies, who hast 
shewn such favour to those who were 
sinners against him, and hast brought 
them to the mercy of Paradise, and hast 
placed them amidst thy large and spiritual 
provisions, in a spiritual and holy life. 
Amen. 

CHAP. XXI. 

1 Charinus and Lenthius being only allowed three 
days to remain on earth, 7 deliver in their narra- 
tions, which miraculously correspond ; they van- 
ish, 13 and Pilate records these transactions. 

THESE are the divine and sacred mys- 
teries which we saw and heard. I 
Charinus and Lenthius are not allowed 
to declare the other mysteries of God, as 
the archangel Michael ordered us. 

2 Saying, Ye shall go with my breth- 
ren to Jerusalem, and shall continue in 
prayers, declaring and glorifying the re- 
surrection of Jesus Christ, seeing he hath 

y Luke 7 xxiii. 43. 



Tlie Jews acknowledge 



NICODEMUS. 



Jesus to be tlie Saviour. 



raised you from the dead at the same 
time with himself. 

3 And ye shall not talk with any man, 
but sit as dumb persons till the time come 
when the Lord will allow you to relate 
the mysteries of his divinity. 

4 The archangel Michael farther com- 
manded us to go beyond Jordan, to an 
excellent and fat country, where there are 
many who rose from the dead along with 
us for the proof of the resurrection of 
Christ. 

5 For we have only three days allowed 
us from the dead, who arose to celebrate 
the passover of our Lord with our pa- 
rents, and to bear our testimony for Christ 
the Lord, and we have been baptized in 
the holy river of Jordan. And now they 
are not seen by any one. 

6 This is as much as God allowed us 
to relate to you ; give ye therefore praise 
and honor to him, and repent, and he will 
have mercy upon you. Peace be to you 
from the Lord God Jesus Christ, and the 
Saviour of us all. Amen, Amen, Amen. 

7 And after they had made an end of 
writing, and had wrote in two distinct 
pieces of paper, Charinus gave what he 
wrote into the hands of Annas, and Cai- 
aphas, and Gamaliel. 

8 Lenthius likewise gave what he 
wrote into the hands of Nicodemus and 
Joseph; and immediately they were 
changed into exceeding white forms, and 
were seen no more. 

9 But what they had wrote was found 
perfectly to agree, the one not containing 
one letter more or less than the other. 

1 When all the assembly of the Jews 
heard all these surprising relations of 
Charinus and Lenthius, they said to each 
other, Truly all these things were wrought 
by God, and blessed be the Lord Jesus 
for ever and ever, Amen. 

1 1 And they all went out with great 
concern, and fear, and trembling, and 
smote upon their breasts, and went away 
every one to his home. 

12 But immmediately all these things 
which were related by the Jews in their 
synagogue concerning Jesus, were pre- 
sently told by Joseph and Nicodemus to 
the governor, 

13 And Pilate wrote down all these 
transactions, and placed all these accounts 
in the public records of his hall. 

CHAP. XXII. 

1 Pilate goes to the temple ; calls together the rulers, 



and scribes, and doctors; 2 commands the gates 
to be shut ; orders the book of tbe Scripture, and 
causes the Jews to relate what they really knew 
concerning Christ. 14 They declare that they 
crucified Christ in ignorance, and that they now 
know him to be tbe Son of God, according to tbe 
testimony of the Scriptures ; which, after they put 
him to death, they examined. 

AFTER these things Pilate went to the 
temple of the Jews, and called to- 
gether all the scribes, and doctors of the 
law, and went with them into a chapel 
of the temple, 

2 And commanding that all the gates 
should be shut, said to them, I have 
heard that ye have a certain large book 
in this temple; I desire yon, therefore, 
that it may be brought before me. 

3 And when the great book, carried by 
four ministers of the temple, and adorned 
with gold and precious stones, was 
brought, Pilate said to them all, I adjure 
you by the God of your fathers, who 
made and commanded this temple to be 
built, that ye conceal not the truth from 
me. 

4 Ye know all the things which are 
written in that book ; tell me therefore 
now, if ye in the Scriptures have found 
any thing of that Jesus whom ye cruci- 
fied, and at what time of the world he 
ought to have come : shew it me. 

5 Then having sworn Annas and Caia- 
phas, they commanded all the rest who 
were with them to go out of the chapel, 

6 And they shut the gates of the 
temple and of the chapel, and said to 
Pilate, Thou hast made us to swear, 
judge, by the building of this temple, to 
declare to thee that which is true and 
right. 

7 After we had crucified Jesus, not 
knowing that he was the Son of God, but 
supposing he wrought his miracles by 
some magical arts, we summoned a large 
assembly in this temple. 

8 And when we were deliberating 
among one another about the miracles 
which Jesus had wrought, we found many 
witnesses of our own country, who de- 
clared that they had seen him alive after 
his death, and that they heard him dis- 
coursing with his disciples, and saw him 
ascending unto the height of the heavens, 
and entering into them ; 

9 And we saw two witnesses, whose 
bodies Jesus raised from the dead, who 
told us of many things which Jesus did 
among the dead, of which we have a 
written account in our hands. 

10 And it is our custom annually to 

51 



The Jewish 



THE APOSTLES' CREED. 



chronology. 



open this holy book before an assembly, 
and to search there for the counsel of 
God; 

1 1 And we found in the first of the 
seventy books, where Michael the arch- 
angel in speaking to the third son of 
Adam the first man, an account that after 
five thousand five hundred years, Christ 
the most beloved Son of God was to come 
on earth, 

12 And we farther considered, that per- 
haps he was the very God of Israel who 
spake to Moses, Thou shalt make the 
ark of the testimony ; two cubits and a 
half shall be the length thereof, and a 
cubit and a half the breadth thereof, and 
a cubit and a half the height thereof.* 

13 By these five cubits and a half for 
the building of the ark of the Old Testa- 
ment, we perceived and knew that in five 
thousand years and half (one thousand) 
years, Jesus Christ was to come in the 
ark or tabernacle of a body ; 

14 And so our Scriptures testify that 
he is the Son of God, and the Lord and 
King of Israel. 

15 And because after his suffering, our 
chief priests were surprised at the signs 
which were wrought by his means, we 
opened that book to search all the gener- 
ations down to the generation of Joseph 
and Mary the mother of Jesus, supposing 
him to be of the seed of David ; 

16 And we found the account of the 
creation, and at what time he made the 



x Excd, xxv, 10. 



heaven and the earth, and the first man 
Adam, and that from thence to the flood, 
were two thousand, two hundred, and 
twelve years. 

17 And Irani the flood to Abraham, 
nine hundred and twelve. And from 
Abraham to Moses, four hundred and 
thirty. And from Moses to David the 
kin.?, five hundred and ten. 

18 And from David to the Babylonish 
captivity, five hundred years. And from 
the Babylonish captivity to the incarna- 
tion of Christ, four hundred years. 

19 The sum of all which amounts to 
five thousand and half (a thousand.) 

20 And so it appears, that Jesus, whom 
we crucified, is Jesus Christ the Son of 
God, and true and Almighty God. Amen. 

i 

IT In the name of the Holy Trinity, thus 
end the Acts of our Saviour Jesus 
Christ, which the Emperor Theodosius 
the Great found at Jerusalem, in the 
hall of Pontius Pilate amovg tlie pub- 
lic records; the things were acted in tlie 
nineteenth year of Tiberius Ccesar, 
Emperor of the Romans, and in the 
seventeenth year of the government of 
Herod the son of Herod kins; of Gali- 
lee, on the eighth of tlie calends of April, 
which is tlie twenty -third day of the 
month of March, in the ccn' d Olym- 
piad, when Joseph and Caiaphas were 
rulers of the Jews ; being a History 
written in Hebrew by Nicodemus, of 
what happened after our Savioufs cru- 
cifixion. 



The APOSTLES' CREED. 



fit is affirmed by Ambrose, " that the twelve Apostles, as skilful artificers, assembled together, and made a 
key by their common advice, that is, the Creed ; by which the darkness of the devil is disclosed, that 
the light of Christ may appear.'"* Others fable that every Apostle inserted an article, by which the 
Creed is divided into twelve articles ; and a sermon, fathered upon St. Austin, and quoted by the 
Lord Chancellor King, fabricates that each particular article was thus inserted by each particular 
Apostle : 

" Peter. — 1. I believe in God the Father Almighty ; 

u John. — 2. Maker of heaven and earth ; 

" James. — 3. And in Jesus Christ his onlv Son, our Lord ; 

"jlndrew. — 4. Who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary ; 

11 Philip. — 5. Suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead and buried ; 

** Tlwmas. — 6. He descended into hell, and the third day he rose again from the dead ; 

44 Bartholomew. — 7. He ascended into heaven, sitteth at the right hand of God the Father Almighty j 

44 Matthew —8. From thence shall he come to judge the quick and the dead ; 

52 



The too THE APOSTLES' CREED. Creeds. 

" James, the son of Alpheus.—Q. I believe in the Holy Ghost, the holy Catholic Church ; 
" Simon Zelotes. — 10. The communion of saints, the forgiveness of smi ; • 

11 Judo, the brother of James. — 11. The resurrection of the body ; 
" Matthias. — 12. Life everlasting. Amen."b 

Archbishop Wake says, u With respect to the Apostles being the authors of this Creed, it in no! 
my intention to enter on any particular examination of this matter, which has been so fully handled, 
not only by the late critics of the Church of Rome, Natalis Alexander^ Du Pin,d etc., but yet more 
especially by Archbishop Usher,* Gerard Vossius,f Suicer.g Spanhemius,h Tentzelius.i and Sam. Bas- 
nage,k among the Protestants. It shall suffice to say, that as it is not likely, that had any snch thing 
as this been done by the Apostles, St. Luke would navo passed it by, without taking the least notice 
of it: so the diversity of Creeds in the ancient Church ; and that not only in expression, but in some 
whole articles too, sufficiently shows, that the Creed which we call by that name, was not composod 
by the twelve Apostles, much less in the same form which it now is."l 

Mr. Justice Bailey says, " It is not to be understood that this Creed was framed by the Apostles, 
or indeed that it existed as a Creed in their time ;"m and after giving the Creed as it existed in the 
year 600, and which is here copied from his Common Prayer Book, he says, M how long this form hnd 
existed before the year GOO is not exactly known. The additions were probably made in opposition to 
particular heresies "and errors." 

The most important *' addition/' since the year of Christ 600, is that which affirms, that Christ 
descended into hell. This has been proved not only to have been an invention after the Apostles' time, 
but even after the time of Eusebius. Bishop Pearson says," that the descent into hell was not in the 
ancient creeds or rules of faith* " It is not to be found in the rules of faith delivered by Irenaeus,o by 
Origen,p or by Tertullian.q It is not expressed in those creeds which were made by the councils as 
larger explications of the Apostles' Creed ; not in the Nicene, or Constantinopolitan ; not in those of 
Ephesus, or Chalcedon ; not in those confessions made at Sardica, Antioch, Seleucia, Sirmium, &c. 
It is not mentioned in several confessions of faith delivered by particular persons ; not in that of Euse- 
bius Caesaricnsis, presented to the council of Nice ;r not in that of Marccllus, bishop of Ancyra, delivered 
to Pope Julius ;s not m that of Alius and Euzoius, presented to Constantine ;t not in that of Acacius, 
bishop of Ca sarea, delivered into the synod of Seleucia ;« not in that of Eustathius, Theophilus, and 
Sylvanus, sent to Liberius ;v there is no mention of it in the creed of St. Basil ;w in the creed of Epi- 
phanius,* Gelusius, Damasus, Maccarius, &c. It is not in the creed expounded by St. Cyril, though 
some have produced that creed to prove it. It is not in the creed expounded by St. Augustine ;y not 
in that other,* attributed to St. Augustine in another place ; not in that expounded by Maximus Tau- 
rinensis ; nor in that so often intrepreted by Petrus Chrysclogus ; nor in that of the church of Antioch, 
delivered by Cassianus ;» neither is it to be seen in the MS. creeds set forth by the learned Archbishop 
of Armagh. It it is affirmed by Rufinus, that in his time it was neither in the Roman nor the Oriental 
Creed6."b] 



THE APOSTLES' CREED, 

As it stood An. Dom. 600. Copied from Mr. Justice As it now stands in the book of Common Prayer of 

Bailey's Edition of the book of Common Prayer. the United Church of England and Ireland as by 

" Before the year 600, it was no more than this."— law established. 
Mr. Justice Bailey, p. 9, n. 

1 I believe in God the Father Al- 1 I believe in God the Father Al- 
mighty : niighty, maker of heaven and earth : 

2 And in Jesus Christ his only begot* 2 And in Jesus Christ his only Son, 
ten Son, our Lord ; our Lord ; 

3 Who was born of the Holy Ghost 3 Who was conceived by the Holy 
and Virgin Mary, Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary, 

4 And was crucified under Pontius Pi- 4 Suffered under Pontius Pilate, was 
late, and was buried ; crucified, dead, and buried ; 

5 And the third day rose again from 5 He descended into hell ; 
the dead, 

6 Ascended into heaven, sitteth on the 6 The third day he rose again from the 



right hand of the Father ; dead : 



* Ambr. Opera, torn. iii. Serm. 38, p. 265. b King's Hist. Apost. Creed, 8vo. p. 26. c Nat. Alex. 
$ 1. vol. i. p. 490, fee. d Du Pin, Biblioth. Eccles. vol. i. p. 25, &c. e Biatrib. de Symb. f Voss. 
Dissert, de tribus Symbolis. S Suicer. Thesaur. Eccles. torn. ii. Voce ov[i8o\op, p. 1086, &c. h Span- 
hem. Introd. ad Hist. Eccles. §ii. c. 3. » Ernest. Tentzel. Exercit. select Exercit. I. k Sam. Bas- 
nage, Exercit. Hist. Crit. ad Ann. XLIV. num. 17, 18. 1 Wake's Apost. Fathers, 8vo. p. 103. m Mr. 
Jubtice Bailey's Common Prayer, 1813, p. 9. n Pearson on the Creed, fol. 1676, p. 225. o Lib. 1. c. 2. 
P Lib. de Princip. in Prccem. q Advers. Praxeam. c. ii. Virgin. Veland. c. 1. — De Prsescrip. ad vers. 
Haeres. c. 13. r Theodoret, 1. 1. c. 2. « Epiphan. H acres. 72. t Socrat. 1. 1. c. 19. u Ibid. 1. 2. 
c. 40. ▼ Ibid. 1. 4. c. 12. w Tract, de Fide in Ascet. x In Anchorat. c. 120. y De Fide et 
Symbolo. * De Symbolo. ad Catechumenos. a De Incarnat. lib. 6. o Exposit. in Symbol Apost. § 20, 

53 



Paul rejoices 



LAODICEANS. 



in his sufferings. 



7 Whence he shall come to judge the 
quick and the dead ; 

8 And in the Holy Ghost ; 

9 The Holy Church ; 

10 The remission of sins; 

11 And the resurrection of the flesh, 
Amen. 



7 He ascended into heaven, and sitteth 
on the right hand of God the Father Al- 
mighty ; 

8 From thence he shall come to judge 
the quick and the dead. 

9 ll believe in the Holy Ghost ; 

10 The Holy Catholic Church; the 
communion of saints ; 

11 The forgiveness of sins; 

12 The resurrection of the body; and 
the life everlasting, Amen, 



The EPISTLE of PAUL the APOSTLE to the LAODI- 
CEANS. 



[This Epistle has been highly esteemed by several learned men of the church of Rome, and others. The 
Quakers have printed a translation, and plead for it, as the reader may see, by consulting Poole's An- 
notations on Col. iv. 16. Sixtus Sanensis mentions two MSS., the one in the Sorbonne Library at 
Paris, which is a very ancient copy, and the other in the Library of Joannes a Viridario, at Padua, 
which he transcribed and published ; and which is the authority for the following translation. There 
is a very old translation of this Epistle in the British Museum, among the Harleian MSS. CGd. 1212.] 



1 He salutes the brethren ; 3 exhorts them to perse- 
vere in good works, 4 and not be moved by vain 
speaking. 6 Rejoices in his bonds, 10 and desires 
them to live in the fear of the Lord. 

) AUL, an Apostle, not of men, neither 
by man, but by Jesus Christ, to the 
brethren which are at Laodicea. 

2 Grace be to you, and peace from God 
the Father, and our Lord Jesus Christ. 

3 I thank Christ in every prayer of 
mine, that ye continue and persevere in 
good works, looking for that which is 
promised in the day of judgment. 

4 Let not the vain speeches of any 
trouble you, who pervert the truth, that 
they may draw you aside from the truth 
of the Gospel which I have preached. 

5 And now may God grant, that my 
converts may attain to a perfect knowledge 
of the truth of the Gospel, be beneficent, 
and doing good works which accompany 
salvation. 

6 And now my bonds, which I suffer 
in Christ, are manifest, in which I rejoice 
and am glad. 

7 For I know that this shall turn to 
my salvation for ever, which shall be 
through your prayer, and the supply of 
the Holy Spirit. 

8 Whether I live or die ; (for) to me 

54 



to live shall be a life to Christ, to die will 
be joy. 

9 And our Lord wiJl grant us his mer- 
cy, that ye may have the same love, and 
be like-minded. 

10 Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have 
heard of the coming of the Lord, so think 
and act in fear, and it shall be to you life 
eternal ; 

11 For it is God, who worketh in you 

12 And do all things without sin. 

13 And what is best, my beloved, re- 
joice in the Lord Jesus Christ, and avoid 
all filthy lucre. 

14 Let all your requests be made 
known to God, and be steady in the doc- 
trine of Christ. 

15 And whatsoever things are sound, 
and true, and of good report, and chaste 
and just, and lovely, these things do. 

16 Those things which ye have heard, 
and received, think on these things, and 
peace shall be with you. 

17 All the saints salute you. 

1 8 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ 
be with your spirit. Amen. 

19 Cause this Epistle to be read to the 
Colossians, and the Epistle of the Colos- 
sians to be read among you. 



Letters betiveen 



PAUL AND SENECA 



Paul and Seneca 



The EPISTLES of PAUL the APOSTLE to SENECA with 
SENECA's to PAUL. 



[Several very learned writers have entertained a favorable opinion of these Epistles. They are undoubt 
edly of high antiquity. Salmeron cites them to prove that Seneca was one of Ccesar's household, 
referred to by Paul, Philip, iv. 22. saluting the brethren at Philippi. In Jerome's enumeration of illus- 
trious men, he places Seneca, on account of these Epistles, amongst the ecclesiastical and holy writers 
of the Christian church. Sixtus Senensis has published them in his Bibliotheque, p. 89, 90 ; and it is 
from thence that the present translation is made. Baronius, Bellarmine, Dr. Cave, Spanheim, and 
others, contend that they are not genuine.] 



CHAP. I. 

Annjeus Seneca, to Paul Greeting. 

I SUPPOSE, Paul, that you have been 
informed of that conversation, which 
passed yesterday between me and my Lu- 
cilius, concerning hypocrisy and other 
subjects ; for there were some of your 
disciples in company with us ; 

2 For when w T e were retired into the 
Sallustian gardens, through which they 
were also passing, and would have gone 
another way, by our persuasion they 
joined company with us. 

3 I desire you to believe, that we much 
wish for your conversation : 

I 4 We were much delighted with your 
book of many Epistles, which you have 
wrote to some cities and chief towns of 
provinces, and contain wonderful instruc- 
tions for moral conduct : 

5 Such sentiments, as I suppose you 
were not the author of, but only the in- 
strument of conveying, though sometimes 
both the author and the instrument. 

6 For such is the sublimity of those 
doctrines, and their grandeur, that I sup- 
pose the age of a man is scarce sufficient 
to be instructed and perfected in the 
knowledge of them. I wish your wel- 
fare, my brother. Farewell. 

CHAP. II. 

Paul to Seneca Greeting. 

I RECEIVED your letter yesterday 
with pleasure ; to which I could im- 
mediately have wrote an answer, had the 
young man been at home, whom I in- 
tended to have sent to you : 

2 For you know when, and by whom, 
•at what seasons, and to whom, I must 
deliver every thing which I send. 

3 I desire therefore you would not 
charge me with negligence, if I wait for 

(a proper person. 

4 I reckon myself very happy in hav- 



ing the judgment of so valuable a person, 
that you are delighted with my Epistles : 
5 For you would not be esteemed a 
censor, a philosopher, or be the tutor of 
so great a prince, and a master of every 
thing, if you were not sincere. I wish 
you a lasting prosperity. 

CHAP. III. 

Annjeus Seneca to Paul Greeting. 

I HAVE completed some volumes, and 
divided them into their proper parts. 

2 1 am determined to read them to 
Caesar, and if any favorable opportunity 
happens, you shall be present, when they 
are read ; 

3 But if that cannot be, I will appoint 
and give you notice of a day, when we 
will together read over the performance. 

4 I had determined, if I could with 
safety, first to have your opinion of it, 
before I published to Caesar, that you 
might be convinced of my affection to 
you. Farewell, dearest Paul. 

CHAP. IV. 

Paul to Seneca Greeting. 

AS often as 1 read your letters, I im- 
agine you present with me ; nor in- 
deed do I think any other, than that you 
are always with us. 

2 As soon therefore as you begin to 
come, we shall presently see each other 
I wish you all prosperity. 

CHAP. V. 

Ann.eus Seneca to Paul Greeting. 

WE are very much concerned at your 
too long absence from us. 

2 What is it, or what affairs are they, 
which obstruct your coming ? 

3 If you fear the anger of Caesar, be- 
cause you have abandoned your former 
religion, and made proselytes also of 
others, you have this to plead, that your 

55 



)■ 



Letters between 



PAUL AND SENECA. 



Paul and Seneca. 



acting thus proceeded not from inconstan- 
cy, but judgment. Farewell. 

CHAP. VI. 

Paul to Seneca and Lucilius Greeting. 

CONCERNING those things, about 
which ye wrote to me, it is not 
proper for me to mention any thing in 
writing with pen and ink : the one of 
which leaves marks, and the other evi- 
dently declares things. 

2 Especially since I know that there 
are near you, as well as me, those who 
will understand my meaning. 

3 Deference is to be paid to all men, 
and so much the more as they more 
likely to take occasions of quarrelling. 

4 And if we shew a submissive Tem- 
per, we shall overcome effectually in all 
points, if so be they are, who are capa- 
ble of seeing and acknowledging them- 
selves to have been in the wrong. Fare- 
well. 

CHAP. VII. 

Annjeus Seneca to Paul Greeting. 

1 PROFESS myself extremely pleased 
with reading your letters to the Ga- 
lau'ans, the Corinthians, and the people of 
Achaia. 

2 For the Holy Ghost has in them 
by you delivered those sentiments which 
are very lofty, sublime, deserving of all 
respect, and beyond your own inven- 
tion. 

3 I could wish, therefore, that when 
you are writing things so extraordinary, 
there might not be wanting an elegance 
of speech agreeable to their majesty. 

4 And I must own, my brother, that I 
may not at once dishonestly conceal any 
thing from you, and be unfaithful to my 
own conscience, that the emperor is ex- 
tremely pleased with the sentiments of 
your Epistles ; 

5 For when he heard the beginning 
of them read, he declared, That he was 
surprised to find such notions in a person, 
who had not had a regular education. 

6 To which I replied, That the Gods 
sometimes made use of mean (innocent) 
persons to speak by, and gave him an in- 
stance of this in a mean countryman, 
named Vatienus, who, when he was in 
the country of Reate, had two men ap- 
peared to him, called Castor and Pollux, 
and received a revelation from the gods. 
Farewell. 

56 



CHAP. VIII. 

Paul to Seneca Greeting. 

ALTHOUGH I know the emperor is 
both an admirer and favourer of our 
(religion,) yet give me leave to advise 
you against your suffering any injury 
(by shewing favour to us.) 

2 I think indeed you ventured upon a 
very dangerous attempt, when you would 
declare (to the emperor) that which is 
so very contrary to his religion, and way 
of worship ; seeing he is a worshipper of 
the heathen gods. 

3 I know not what you particularly 
had in view, when you told him of this ; 
but I suppose you did it out of a too 
great respect for me 

4 But I desire that for the future you 
would not do so ; for you had need be 
careful, lest by shewing your affection to 
me, yon should offend your master : 

5 His anger indeed will do us no harm, 
if he continue a heathen; nor will his 
not being angry be of any service to us : 

6 And if the empress act worthy of 
her character, she will not be angry ; but 
if she act as a woman, she will be af- 
fronted. Farewell. 

CHAP. IX. 

Annjeus Seneca to Paul Greeting. 

KNOW that my letter, wherein I ac- 
quainted you, that I had read to the 
emperor your Epistles, does not so much 
aflect you as the nature of the things 
(contained in them,) 

2 Which do so powerfully divert men's 
minds from their former manners and 
practices, that I have always been sur- 
prised, and have been fully convinced of 
it by many arguments heretofore. 

3 Let us therefore begin afresh ; and if 
any thing heretofore has been imprudently 
acted, do you forgive. 

4 I have sent you a book de copia 
verborum. Farewell, dearest Paul. 

CHAP. X. 
Paul to Seneca Greeting. 

S often as I write to you, and place 
my name before yours, I do a thing 
both disagreeable to myself, and contrary 
to our religion : 

2 For I ought, as I have often declared, 
to become all things to all men, and to 
have that regard to your quality, which 
the Roman law has honored all senators 



Letters between 



PAUL AND SENECA. 



Paul and Seneca. 



with ; namely, to put my name last in 
the (inscription of the) Epistle, that I may 
not at length with uneasiness and shame 
be obliged to do that which it was always 
my inclination to do. Farewell, most 
respected master, Dated the fifth of the 
calends of July, in the fourth Consulship 
of Nero and Messala. 

CHAP. XL 

Annjeus Seneca to Paul Greeting. 

ALL happiness to you, my dearest 
Paul. 

2 If a person so great, and every way 
agreeable as you are, become not only a 
common, but most intimate friend to me, 
how happy will be the case of Seneca ! 

3 You therefore, who are so eminent, 
and so far exalted above all, even the 
greatest, do not think yourself unfit to be 
first named in the inscription of an Epis- 
tle ; 

4 Lest I should suspect you intend not 
so much to try me, as to banter me ; for 
you know yourself to be a Roman citi- 
zen. 

5 And I could wish to be in that cir- 
cumstance or station which you axe, and 
that you were in the same that I am. 
Farewell, dearest Paul. Dated the x th 
of the calends of April, in the Consulship 
of Aprianus and Capito. 

CHAP. XII. 

Ann^us Seneca to Paul Greeting. 

ALL happiness to you, my dearest 
Paul. Do you not suppose I am ex- 
tremely concerned and grieved, that your 
innocence should bring you into suffer- 
ings ? 

2 And that all the people should sup- 
pose you (Christians) so criminal, and 
imagine all the misfortunes that happen to 
the city, to be caused by you ? 

3 But let us bear the charge with a 
patient temper, appealing (for our inno- 
cence) to the court (above,) which is the 
only one our hard fortune will allow us 
to address to, till at length our misfortunes 
shall end in unalterable happiness. 

4 Former ages have produced (tyrants) 
Alexander the son of Philip and Diony- 
sius ; ours also has produced Caius Caesar ; 
whose inclinations were their only laws. 

5 As to the frequent burnings of the 
city of Rome, the cause is manifest ; and 
if a person in my mean circumstances 
might be allowed to speak, and one might 



declare these dark things without danger, 
every one should see the whole of the 
matter. 

6 The Christians and Jews are indeed 
commonly punished for the crime of 
burning the city ; but that impious mis- 
creant, who delights in murders and 
butcheries, and disguises his viilanies 
with lies, is appointed to, or reserved till, 
his proper time ; 

7 And as the life of every excellent 
person is now sacrificed instead of that 
one person (who is the author of the mis- 
chief,) so this one shall be sacrificed for 
many, and he shall be devoted to be burnt 
with fire instead of all. 

8 One hundred and thirty-two houses, 
and four whole squares (or islands) were 
burnt down in six days : the seventh put 
an end to the burning. I wish you all 
happiness. 

9 Dated the fifth of the calends of 
April, in the consulship of Frigius and 
Bassus. 

CHAP. XIII. 

Annjeus Seneca to Paul Greeting. 

ALL happiness to you, my dearest 
Faul. 

2 You have wrote many volumes in 
an allegorical and mystical style, and 
therefore such mighty matters and busi- 
ness being committed to you, require not 
to be set off with any rhetorical flourish- 
es of speeches, but only with some proper 
elegance. 

3 I remember you often say, that many 
by affecting such a style do injury to their 
subjects, and lose the force of the mat- 
ters they treat of. 

4 But in this I desire you to regard me, 
namely, to have respect to true Latin, and 
to choose just words, that so you may the 
better manage the noble trust, which is re- 
posed in you. 

5 Farewell. Dated v th of the nones 
of July, Leo and Savinus consuls. 

CHAP. XIV. 

Paul to Seneca Greeting. 

YOUR serious consideration is requited 
with those discoveries, which the 
Divine Being has granted but to few. 

2 I am thereby assured that I sow the 
most strong seed in a fertile soil, not any 
thing material, which is subject to cor- 
ruption, but the durable word of God, 
which shall increase and bring forth fruit 
to eternity. 

57 



PauVs appearance 



PAUL AND THECLA 



and companions. 



3 That which by your wisdom you 
have attained to, shall abide without de- 
cay for ever. 

4 Believe that you ought to avoid the 
superstitions of Jews and Gentiles. 

5 The things which you have in some 
measure arrived to,prudently make known 
to the emperor, his family, and to faithful 
friends ; 

( 6 And though your sentiments will 



seem disagreeable, and not be compre- 
hended by them, seeing most of them will 
not regard your discourses, yet the Word 
of God once infused into them, will at 
length make them become new men, 
aspiring towards God. 

7 Farewell, Seneca, who art most 
dear to us. Dated on the calends of 
August, in the consulship of Leo and 
Savinus. 



The ACTS of PAUL and THECLA. 



[Tertullian says that this piece was forged by a Presbyter of Asia, who being convicted, " confessed that 
he did it out of respect to Paul," and Pope Gelasius, in his decree against Apocryphal books, inserted 
it among them. Notwithstanding this, a large part of the History was credited and looked upon as 
genuine among the primitive Christians, Cyprian, Eusebius, Epiphanius, Austin, Gregory Nazianzen, 
Chrysostom, and Severus Sulpitius, who all lived within the fourth centurv, mention Thecla, or refer 
to her history. Basil of Seleucia wrote her acts, sufferings, and victories, in verse ; and Euagrius 
Scholasticus, an ecclesiastical historian, about 590, relates that " after the Emperor Zeno had abdi- 
cated his empire, and Basilik had taken possession of it, he had a vision of the holy and excellent 
martyr Thecla, who promised him the restoration of his empire ; for which, when it was brought about, 
he erected and dedicated a most noble and sumptuous temple to this famous martyr Thecla; at Seleu- 
cia, a city of Tsauria, and bestowed upon it very noble endowments, which (says the author) are pre- 
served even tiii this day." Hist. Eccl. lib. 3. cap. 8. — Cardinal Baronius, Locrinus, Archbishop 
Wake, and others ; and also the learned Grabe, who edited the Septuagint, and revived the Acts of 
Paul and Thecla ; consider them as having been written in the Apostolic age ; as containing nothing 
superstitious, or disagreeing from the opinions and belief of those times ; and, in short, as a genuine 
and authentic History. Again it is said, that this is not the original book of the early Christians ; 
but however that may be, it is published from the Greek MS. in the Bodleian Library at Oxford, 
which Dr. Mills copied and transmitted to Dr. Grabe. J 



The Martyrdom of the holy and glorious 
first Martyr and Apostle Thecla. 

CHAP. I. 

I Bemas and Hermogenes become Paul's compani- 
ons. 4 Paul visits Onesiphorus. 8 Invited by 
Demas and Hermogenes. 11 Preaches to the 
household of Onesiphorus. 12 His sermon. 

WHEN Paul went up to Iconium, 
after his flight from Antioch, Demas 
and Hermogenes became his companions, 
who were then full of hypocrisy. 

2 But Paul looking only at the good- 
ness of God, did them no harm, but loved 
them greatly. 

3 Accordingly he endeavored to make 
agreeable to them, all the oracles and doc- 
trines of Christ, and the design of the 
Gospel of God's well-beloved Son, in- 
structing them in the knowledge of Christ, 
as it was revealed to him. 

4 11 And a certain man named Onesi- 
phorus, hearing that Paul was come to 
Iconium, went out speedily to meet him, 

58 



together with his wife Lectra, and his 
sons Simmia and Zeno, to invite him to 
their house. 

5 For Titus had given them a descrip- 
tion of Paul's personage, they as yet not 
knowing him in person, but only being 
acquainted with his character. 

6 They went in the king's highway to 
Lystra, and stood there waiting for him, 
comparing all who passed by, with that 
description which Titus had given them. 

7 At length they saw a man coming 
(namely Paul,) of a low stature, bald (or 
shaved) on the head, crooked thighs, 
handsome legs, hollow-eyed ; had a 
crooked nose ; full of grace ; for some- 
times he appeared as a man, sometimes he 
had the countenance of an angel. And 
Paul saw Onesiphorus, and was glad. 

8 % And Onesiphorus said ; Hail, thou 
servant of the blessed God. Paul re- 
plied, The grace of God be with thee and 
thy family. 

9 But Demas and Hermogenes were 



PauVs sermon 



PAUL AND THECLA. 



Thecla converted. 



moved with envy, and, under a shew of 
great religion, Demas said, And are not 
we also servants of the blessed God ? 
Why didst thou not salute us ? 

10 Onesiphorus replied, Because I have 
not perceived in you the fruits of righte- 
ousness ; nevertheless, if ye are of that 
sort, ye shall be welcome to my house also. 

11 Then Paul went into the house of 
Onesiphorus, and there was great joy 
among the family on that account; and 
they employed themselves in prayer, 
breaking of bread, and hearing Paul 
preach the word of God concerning tem- 
perance and the resurrection, in the fol- 
lowing manner : 

12 H Blessed are the pure in heart ; for 
they shall see God. 

13 Blessed are they who keep their 
flesh unde filed (or pure) ; for they shall 
be the temples of God. 

1 4 Blessed are the temperate (or chaste); 
for God will reveal himself to them. 

15 IT Blessed are they who abandon 
their secular enjoyments ; for they shall 
be accepted of God. 

16 Blessed are they who have wives, 
as though they had them not ; for they 
shall be made angels of God. 

17 Blessed are they who tremble at the 
word of God ; for they shall be comforted. 

18 Blessed are they who .keep their 
baptism pure ; for they shall find peace 
with the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. 

19 IT Blessed are they who pursue the 
wisdom (or doctrine) of Jesus Christ ; 
for they shall be called the sons of the 
Most High. 

20 Blessed are they who observe the 
instructions of Jesus Christ ; for they 
shall dwell in eternal light. 

21 Blessed are they, who for the love 
of Christ abandon the glories of the world ; 
for they shall judge angels, and be placed 
at the right hand of Christ, and shall not 
suffer the bitterness of the last judgment. 

22 IF Blessed are the bodies and souls 
of virgins ; for they are acceptable to 
God, and shall not lose the reward of their 
virginity ; for the word of their (heaven- 
ly) Father shall prove effectual to their 
salvation in the day of his Son, and they 
shall enjoy rest for evermore. 

CHAP. II. 

1 Thecla listens anxiously to Paul's preaching. 5 
Thamyris her admirer, concerts with Theoclia 
her mother to dissuade her 12 in vain. 14 Demas 
and Hermogenes vilify Paul to Thamyris. 



WHILE Paul was preaching this ser- 
mon in the church which was in 
I the house of Onesiphorus, a certain virgin 
I named Thecla, (whose mother's name 
was Theoclia, and who was betrothed to 
a man named Thamyris) sat at a certain 
window in her house. 

.2 From whence, by the advantage of a 
window in the house where Paul was, 
she both night and day heard Paul's 
sermons concerning God, concerning 
charity, concerning " faith in Christ, and 
concerning prayer ; 

3 Nor would she depart from the win- 
dow, till with exceeding joy she was sub- 
dued to the doctrines of faith. 

4 At length, when she saw many 
women and virgins going in to Paul, she 
earnestly desired that she might be thought 
worthy to appear in his presence, and 
hear the word of Christ ; for she had not 
yet seen Paul's person, but only heard 
his sermons, and that alone. 

5 IT But when she would not be pre- 
vailed upon to depart from the window, 
her mother sent to Thamyris, who came 
with the greatest pleasure, as hoping now 
to marry her. Accordingly he said to 
Theoclia, Where is my Thecla ? 

6 Theoclia replied, Thamyris, I have 
something very strange to tell you ; for 
Thecla, for the space of three days, will 
not move from the window, not so much 
as to eat or drink, but is so intent in 
hearing the artful and delusive discourses 
of a certain foreigner, that I perfectly ad- 
mire, Thamyris, that a young woman, of 
her known modesty, will suffer herself to 
be so prevailed upon. 

7 For that man has disturbed the whole 
city of Iconium, and even your Thecla, 
among others. All the women and young 
men flock to him to receive his doctrine ; 
who, besides all the rest, tells them, that 
there is but one God, who alone is to be 
worshipped, and that we ought to live in 
chastity. 

8 IT Notwithstanding this, my daughter 
Thecla, like a spider's web fastened to the 
window, is captivated by the discourses 
of Paul, and attends upon them with pro- 
digious eagerness, and vast delight ; and 
thus by attending on what he says, the 
young woman is seduced. Now then do 
you go, and speak to her, for she is be- 
trothed to you. 

9 Accordingly Thamyris went, and 
having saluted her, and taking care not to 
surprise her, he said, Thecla, my spouse, 

59 



Paul betrayed 



PAUL AND THECLA. 



and arrested. 



why sittest thou in this melancholy pos- 
ture ? What strange impressions are 
made upon thee ? Turn to Thamyris, 
and blush. 

10 Her mother also spoke to her after 
the same manner, and said, Child, why 
dost thou sit so melancholy, and, like one 
astonished, makest no reply ? 

11 Then they wept exceedingly' ; 
Thamyris. that he had lost his spouse ; 
Theoclia, that she had lost her daughter ; 
and the maids, that they had lost their 
mistress ; and there was an universal 
mourning in the family. 

12 But all these things made no im- 
pression upon Thecla, so as to incline 
her so much as to turn to them, and take 
notice of them ; for she still regarded the 
discourses of Paul. 

13 Then Thamyris ran forth into the 
street, to observe who they were that 
went in to Paul, and came out from him ; 
and he saw two men engaged in a very 
warm dispute, and said to them ; 

14 IT Sirs, what business have you 
here ; and who is that man within, be- 
longing to you, who deludes the minds of 
men, both young men and virgins, per- 
suading them, that they ought not to mar- 
ry, but continue as they are ? 

15 1 promise to give you a consider- 
able sum, if ye will give me a just ac- 
count of him ; for 1 am the chief person 
of this city. 

16 Demas and Hermogenes replied, 
We cannot so exactly tell who he is ; 
but this, we know, that he deprives 
young men of their (intended) wives, and 
virgins of their (intended) husbands, by 
teaching, There can be no future resur- 
rection, unless you continue in chastity, 
and do not defile your flesh. 

CHAP. III. 

1 They betray Paul. 7 Thamyris arrests him with 
officers. 

THEN said Thamyris, Come along 
with me to my house, and refresh 
yourselves. So they went to a very 
splendid entertainment, where there was 
wine in abundance, and very rich provi- 
sion. 

2 They were brought to a table richly 
spread, and made to drink plentifully by 
Thamyris, on account of the love he had 
for Thecla, and his desire to marry her. 
i 3 Then Thamyris said, I desire ye 
would inform me what the doctrines of 
60 



this Paul are, that I may understand them ; 
for I am under no small concern about 
Thecla, seeing she so delights in that 
stranger's discourses, that I am in danger 
of losing my intended wife. 

4 1T Then Demas and Hermogenes an- 
swered both together, and said, Let him 
be brought before the governor Castellius, 
as one who endeavors to persuade the 
people into the new religion of the Chris- 
tians, and he, according to the order of 
Caesar, will put him to death, by which 
means you will obtain your wife ; 

5 While we at the same time will teach 
her, that the resurrection which he speaks 
of is already come, and consists in our 
having children ; and that we then arose 
again, when we came to the knowledge 
of God. 

6 Thamyris having this account from 
them, was filled with hot resentment ; 

7 And rising early in the morning, he 
went to the house of Onesiphorus, attend- 
ed by the magistrates, the jailer, and a 
great multitude of people with staves, and 
said to Paul ; 

8 Thou hast perverted the city of Ico- 
nium, and, among the rest, Thecla, who 
is betrothed to me, so that now she will 
not marry me. Thou shalt therefore go 
with us to the governor Castellius. 

9 And all the multitude cried out, 
Away with this impostor (magician,) 
for he has perverted the minds of our 
wives, and all the people hearken to him. 

CHAP. IV. 

1 Paul accused before the governor by Thamyris, 
5 Defends himself. 9. Is committed to prison, 10 
and visited by Thecla. 

THEN Thamyris standing before the 
governor's judgment-sear, spake with 
with a loud voice in the following man- 
ner. 

2 governor, I know not whence this 
man cometh ; but he is one who teaches 
that matrimony is unlawful. Command 
him therefore to declare before you for 
what reasons he publishes such doctrines. 

3 While he was saying thus Demas 
and Hermogenes (whispered to Thamy- 
ris, and) said ; Say that he is a Christian, 
and he will presently be put to death. 

4 But the governor was more deliber- 
ate, and calling to Paul, he said, Who 
art thou ? What dost thou teach ? They 
seem to lay gross crimes to thy charge. 

5 Paul then spake with a loud voice, 



PauVs defence. 



PAUL AND THECLA. 



Visited by Thecla. 



saying, As I am now called to give an 
account, governor, of my doctrines, I 
desire your audience. 

6 That God, who is a God of ven- 
geance, and who stands in need of noth- 
ing but the salvation of his creatures, has 
sent me to reclaim them from their wick- 
edness and corruptions, from all (sinful) 
pleasures, and from death ; and to per- 
suade them to sin no more. 

7 On this account, God sent his Son 
Jesus Christ, whom I preach, and in 
whom I instruct men to place their hopes, 
as that person who only had such com- 
passion on the deluded world, that it 
might not, governor, be condemned, 
but have faith, the fear of God, the 
knowledge of religion, and the love of 
truth. 

8 So that if I only teach those things 
which I have received by revelation from 
God, where is my crime ? 

9 When the governor heard this, he 
ordered Paul to be bound, and to be put 
in prison, till he should be more at lei- 
sure to hear him more fully. 

10 But, in the night. Thecla taking 
off her ear-rings, gave them to the turn- 
key of the prison, who then opened the 
doors to her, and let her in ; 

11 And when she made a present of a 
silver looking-glass, to the jailer, was al- 
lowed to go into the room where Paul 
was ; then she sat down at his feet, and 
heard from him the great things of God. 

12 And as she perceived Paul not to 
be afraid of suffering, but that by divine 
assistance he behaved himself with 
courage, her faith so far increased that 
she kissed his chains. 

CHAP. V. 

1 Thecla sought and found by her relations. 4 
Brought with Paul before the governor. 9 Order- 
ed to be burnt, and Paul to be whipt. 15 Thecla 
miraculously saved 

AT length Ti. "a was missed, and 
sought for by the family and by 
Thamyris in every street, as though she 
had been lost ; till one of the porter's fel- 
low-servants told them, that she had gone 
out in the night-time. 

2 Then they examined the porter, and 
he told them, that she was gone to the 
prison to the strange man. 

3 They went therefore according to his 
direction, and there found her ; and when 
they came out, they got a mob together, 
and went and told the governor all that 
happened. 



4 Upon which he ordered Paul to be 
brought before his judgment-seat. 

5 Thecla in the mean time lay wal- 
lowing on the ground in the prison, in 
that same place where Paul had sat to 
teach her ; upon which the governor also 
ordered her to be brought before his judg- 
ment seat ; which summons she received 
with joy, and went. 

6 When Paul was brought thither, the 
mob with more vehemence cried out, He 
is a magician, let him die. 

7 Nevertheless, the governor attended 
with pleasure upon Paul's discourses of 
the holy works of Christ ; and, after a 
council called, he summoned Thecla, and 
said to her, Why do you not, according 
to the law of the Iconians, marry Tha- 
myris ? 

8 She stood still, with her eyes fixed 
upon Paul ; and finding she made no 
reply, Theoclia her mother cried out, say- 
ing, Let the unjust creature be burnt ; let 
her be burnt in the midst of the theatre, 
for refusing Thamyris, that all w T omen 
may learn from her to avoid such practices. 

& Then the governor was exceedingly 
concerned, and ordered Paul to be whipt 
out of the city, and Thecla to be burnt. 

10 So the governor arose, and went 
immediately into the theatre ; and all the 
people went forth to see the dismal sight. 

1 1 But Thecla, just as a lamb in the 
wilderness looks every way to see his 
shepherd, looked around for Paul ; 

1 2 And as she was looking upon the 
multitude, she saw the Lord Jesus in the 
likeness of Paul, and said to herself, Paul 
is come to see me in my distressed cir- 
cumstances. And she fixed her eyes 
upon him ; but he instantly ascended up 
to heaven, while she looked on him. 

1 3 Then the young men and women 
brought wood and straw for the burning 
of Thecla ; who, being brought naked to 
the stake, extorted tears from the gover- 
nor, with surprise beholding the greatness 
of her beauty. 

14 And when they had placed the 
wood in order, the people commanded 
her to go upon it; which she did, first 
making the sign of the cross. 

1 5 Then the people set fire to the pile ; 
though the flame was exceeding large, it 
did not touch her ; for God took compas- 
sion on her, and caused a great eruption 
from the earth beneath, and a cloud from 
above to pour down great quantities of 
rain and hail. 

61 



Paul fasts in a cave. 



PAUL AND THECLA. 



Goes to Antioch* 



16 Insomuch that by the rupture of the 
earth, very many were in great danger, 
and some were killed, the fire was extin- 
guished, and Thecla preserved. . 

CHAP. VI. 

1 Paul with Onesiphorus in a cave. 7 Thecla dis- 
covers Paul ; 12 proffers to follow him : 13 he 
exhorts her not for fear of fornication. 

IN the mean time Paul, together with 
Onesiphorus, his wife and children, 
was keeping a fast in a certain cave, 
which was in the road from Iconium to 
Daphne. 

2 And when they had fasted for seve- 
ral days, the children said to Paul, Father, 

* we are hungry, and have not wherewithal 
to buy bread ; for Onesiphorus had left 
all his substance, to follow Paul with his 
family. 

3 Then Paul, taking off his coat, said 
to the boy, Go, child, and buy bread, and 
bring it hither. 

4 But while the boy was buying the 
bread, he saw his neighbour Thecla, and 
was surprised, and said to her, Thecla, 
where are you going ? 

5 She replied, I am in pursuit of Paul, 
having been delivered from the flames. 

6 The boy then said, I will bring you 
to him, for he is under great concern on 
your account, and has been in prayer and 
fasting these six days. 

7 II When Thecla came to the cave, 
she found Paul upon his knees, praying 
and saying, holy Father, Lord Jesus 
Christ, grant that the fire may not touch 
Thecla ; but be her helper, for she is thy 
servant. 

8 Thecla then standing behind him, 
cried out in the following words : sov- 
ereign Loid, Creator of heaven and earth, 
the Father of thy beloved and holy Son, 
I praise thee that thou hast preserved me 
from the fire, to see Paul again. 

9 Paul then arose, and when he saw 
her, said, God, who searchest the heart, 
Father of my Lord Jesus Christ, I praise 
thee that thou hast answered my prayer. 

10 IF And there prevailed among them 
in the cave an entire affection to each 
other ; Paul, Onesiphorus, and all that 
were with them being filled with joy. 

1 1 They had five loaves, some herbs, 
and water, and they solaced each other in 
reflections upon the holy works of Christ. 

12 Then said Thecla to Paul, If you 
be pleased with it, I will follow you, 
whithersoever you go. 

62 



1 3 He replied to her, Persons are now 
much given to fornication, and you being 
handsome, I am afraid lest you should 
meet with greater temptation than the for- 
mer, and should not withstand, but be 
overcome by it. 

14 Thecla replied, Grant me only the 
seal of Christ, and no temptation shall 
affect me. 

15 Paul answered, Thecla, Wait with 
patience, and you shall receive the gift of 
Christ. 

CHAP. VII. 

1 Paul and Thecla go to Antioch. 2 Alexander, a 
magistrate, falls in love with Thecla, 4 kisses her 
by force : 5 she resists him : 6 is carried before 
the governor, and condemned to be thrown to wild 
beasts. 

THEN Paul sent back Onesiphorus 
and his family to their own home, 
and taking Thecla along with him, went 
for Antioch ; 

2 And as soon as they came into the 
city, a certain Syrian, named Alexander, 
a magistrate in the city, who had done 
many considerable services for the city 
during his magistracy, saw Thecla, and 
fell in love with her, and endeavoured 
by many rich presents to engage Paul in 
his interest. 

3 But Paul told him, I know not the 
woman of whom you speak, nor does 
she belong to me. 

4 But he being a person of great power 
in Antioch, seized her in the street and 
kissed her ; which Thecla would not bear, 
but looking about for Paul, cried out in a 
distressed loud tone, Force me not, who 
am a stranger ; force me not, who am a 
servant of God ; 1 am one of the princi- 
pal persons of Iconium, and was obliged 
to leave that city, because I would not be 
married to Thamyris. 

5 Then she laid hold on Alexander, 
tore his coat, and took his crown off his 
head, and made him appear ridiculous 
before all the people. 

6 But Alexander, partly as he loved 
her, and partly being ashamed of what 
had been done, led her to the governor, 
and upon her confession of what she had 
done,* he commanded her to be thrown 
among the beasts. 



a There being somewhat wanting here in the old 
Greek MS.it is supplied out of th« old Latin version, 
which is in the Bordelain Library, Cod. Dig. 39. 
rather than out of Simeon Metaphrases, a writer of 
the eleventh century. 



Thecla thrown 



PAUL AND THECLA. 



to wild beasts 



CHAP. VIII. 

2 Thecla entertained by Trifina ; 3 brought out to 
the wild beasts : 4 a she-lion licks her feet. 5 
Trifiii3 upon a vision of her deceased daughter, 
adopts Thecla, 11 who is taken to the amphithe- 
atre again. 

WHICH when the people saw, they 
said : The judgments passed in this 
city are unjust But Thecla desired the 
favour of the governor, that her chastity 
might not be attacked, but preserved till 
she should be cast to the beasts. 

2 The governor then inquired, Who 
would entertain her ; upon which a cer- 
tain very rich widow, named Trifina, 
whose daughter was lately dead, desired 
that she might have the keeping of her ; 
and she began to treat her in the house 
as her own daughter. 

3 At length a day came, when the 
beasts were to be brought forth to be seen ; 
and Thecla was brought to the amphithe- 
atre, and put into a den, in which was an 
exceeding fierce she-lion, in the presence 
of a multitude of spectators. 

4 Trifina, without any surprise, ac- 
companied Thecla, and the she-lion licked 
the feet of Thecia. The title written 
which denotes her crime, was, Sacrilege. 
Then the women cried out, God, the 
judgments of this city are unrighteous. 

5 After the beasts had been shown, 
Trifina took Thecla home with her, and 
they went to bed ; and behold, the daugh- 
ter of Trifina, who was dead, appeared 
to her mother, and said ; Mother, let the 
young woman, Thecla, be reputed by you 
as your daughter in my stead : and desire 
her that she would pray for me, that I 
may be translated to a state of happiness. 

6 Upon which Trifina, with a mourn- 
ful air, said, My daughter Falconilla has 
appeared to me, and ordered me to receive 
you in her room; wherefore I desire, 
Thecla, that you would pray for my 
daughter, that she may be translated into 
a state of happiness, and to life eternal. 

7 When Thecla heard this, she imme- 
diately prayed to the Lord, and said : 
Lord God of heaven and earth, Jesus 
Christ, thou Son of the Most High, grant 
that her daughter Falconilla may live for 
ever. Trifina hearing this, groaned again, 
and said : unrighteous judgments ! O 
unreasonable wickedness ! that such a 
creature should (again) be cast to the 
beasts ! 

8 IT On the morrow, at break of day, 
Alexander came to Trifina's house, and 



said : The governor and the people are 
waiting; bring the criminal forth. 

9 But Trifina ran in so violently upon 
him, that he was affrighted and ran away. 
Trifina was one of the royal family ; and 
she thus expressed her sorrow, and said : 
Alas ! I have trouble in my house on two 
accounts, and there is no one who will 
relieve me, either under the loss of my 
daughter, or my being unable to save 
Thecla. But now, Lord God, be hou 
the helper of Thecla thy servant. 

10 While she was thus engaged, the 
governor sent one of his own officers to 
bring Thecla. Trifina took her by the 
hand, and, going with her, said : I went 
with Falconilla to her grave, and now 
must go with Thecla to the beasts. 

1 1 When Thecla heard this, she weep- 
ing prayed, and said : Lord God, whom 
I have made my confidence and refuge, 
reward Trifina for her compassion to me, 
and preserving my chastity. 

1 2 Upon this there was a great noise 
in the amphitheatre ; the beasts roared, 
and the people cried out, Bring in the 
criminal. 

13 But the women cried out, and said : 
Let the whole city suffer for such crimes ; 
and order all of us, governor, to the 
same punishment. unjust judgment ! 
cruel sight ! 

14 Others said, Let the whole city be 
destroyed for this vile action. Kill us all, 

governor. cruel sight ! unright- 
eous judgment ! 

CHAP. IX. 

1 Thecla thrown naked to the wild beasts ; 2 they 
all refuse to attack her : 8 throws herself into a 
pit of water. 10 Other wild beasts refuse her. 
11 Tied to wild bulls. 13 Miraculously saved. 
21 Released. 24 Entertained by Trifina. 

THEN Thecla was taken out of the 
hand of Trifina, stripped naked, had 
a girdle put on, and thrown into the place 
appointed for fighting with the beasts : and 
the lions and the bears were let loose 
upon her. 

2 But a she-lion, which was of all the 
most fierce, ran to Thecla, and fell down 
at her feet. Upon which the multitude 
of women shouted aloud. 

3 Then a she-bear ran fiercely towards 
her ; but the she-lion met the bear, and 
tore it in pieces. 

4 Again, a he-lion, who had been wont 
to devour men, and which belonged to 
Alexander, ran towards her ; but the she- 

63 



Thecla is 



PAUL AND THECLA. 



miraculously saved. 



lion encountered the he-lion, and they 
killed each other. 

5 Then Hie women were under a greater 
concern, because the she-lion, which had 
helped Thecla was dead. 

6 Afterwards they brought out many 
other wild beasts : but Thecla stood with 
her hands stretched towards heaven, and 
prayed ; and when she had done praying, 
she turned about, and saw a pit of water, 
and said, Now it is a proper time for me 
to be baptized. 

7 Accordingly she threw herself into 
the water, and said, In thy name, my 
Lord Jesus, I am this last day baptized. 
The women and the people seeing this, 
cried out, and said, Do not throw yourself 
into the water. And the governor him- 
self cried out, to think that the fish (sea 
cahes) were like to devour so much 
beauty. 

8 IT Notwithstanding all this, Thecla 
threw herself into the water in the name 
of our Lord Jesus Christ. 

9 But the fish (sea calves), when they 
saw the lightning and fire, were killed, 
and swam dead upon the surface of the 
water, and a cloud of fire surrounded 
Thecla ; so that as the beasts could not 
come near her, so the people could not 
see her nakedness. 

10 Yet they turned other wild beasts 
upon her ; upon which they made a very 
mournful outcry ; and some of them scat- 
tered spikenard, others cassia, others 
amomus (a sort of spikenard, or the herb 
of Jerusalem, or ladies-rose) others oint- 
ment ; so that the quantity of ointment 
was large, in proportion to the number of 
people; and upon this all the beasts lay 
as though they had been fast asleep, and 
did not touch Thecla. 

1 1 Whereupon Alexander said to the 
governor, I have some very terrible bulls ; 
let us bind her to them. To which the 
governor, with concern, replied, You may 
do what you think fit. 

12 Then they put a coid round Thec- 
la's waist, which bound also her feet, 
and with it tied her to the bulls, to w T hose 
privy- parts they applied red-hot irons, 
that so they being the more tormented, 
might more violently drag Thecla about, 
tillthey had killed her. 

13 The bulls accordingly tore about, 
making a most hideous noise ; but the 
flame which was about Thecla, burnt off 
the cords which were fastened to the 
members of the bulls, and she stood in 

64 



the middle of the stage, as unconcerned 
as if she had not been bound. 

14 But in the mean time Trifina, who 
sat upon one of the benches, fainted away 
and died ; upon which the whole city 
was under a very great concern. 

15 And Alexander himself was afraid, 
and desired the governor, saying : 1 in- 
treat you, take compassion on me and the 
city, and release this woman, who has 
fought with the beasts ; lest both you and 
I, and the whole city be destroyed : 

16 For if Caesar should have any ac- 
count of what has passed now, he will 
certainly immediately destroy the city, 
because Trifina, a person of royal ex- 
tract, and a relation of his, is dead upon 
her seat. 

17 Upon this the governor called 
Thecla from among the beasts to him, 
and said to her, Who art thou ? and 
what are thy circumstances, that not one 
of the beasts will touch thee ? 

] 8 Thecla replied to him ; I am a ser- 
vant of the living God; and as to my 
state, I am a believer on Jesus Christ his 
Son, in whom God is well pleased : and 
for that reason none of the beasts could 
touch me. 

19 He alone is the way to eternal sal- 
vation, and the foundation of eternal life. 
He is a refuge to those who are in dis- 
tress ; a support to the afflicted, hope and 
defence to those who are hopeless ; and, 
in a word, all those who do not believe 
on him, shall not live, but suffer eternal 
death. 

20 IT When the governor heard these 
things, he ordered her clothes to be brought 
and said to her, Put on your clothes. 

21 Thecla replied : May that God who 
clothed me when I was naked among the 
beasts, in the day of judgment clothe 
your soul with the robe of salvation ! 
Then she took her clothes, and put them 
on ; and the governor immediately pub- 
lished an order in these w r ords : I release 
to you Thecla, the servant of God. 

22 Upon which the women all cried 
out together with a loud voice, and with 
one accord gave praise unto God, and 
said : There is but one God, who is the 
God of Thecla ; the one God, who hath 
delivered Thecla. 

23 So loud were their voices, that the 
whole city seemed to be shaken ; and 
Trifina herself heard the glad tidings, and 
arose again, and ran with the multitude 
to meet Thecla ; and embracing her, said : 



She visits her mother 



PAUL AND THECLA. 



who rejects her. 



Now I believe there shall be a resurrec- 
tion of the dead ; now I am persuaded 
that my daughter is alive. Come there- 
fore home with me, my daughter Thecla, 
and I will make over all I have to you. 

24 So Thecla went with Trifina, and 
was entertained there a few days, teach- 
ing her the word of the Lord, whereby 
many young women were converted ; and 
there was great joy in the family of Tri- 
fina. 

25 But Thecla longed to see Paul, and 
inquired and sent everywhere to find him ; 
and when at length she was informed 
that he was at Myra in Lycia, she took 
with her many young men and women ; 
and putting on a girdle, and dressing her- 
self in the habit of a man, she went to 
him to Myra in Lycia, and there found 
Paul preaching the word of God ; and 
she stood by him among the throng. 

CHAP. X. 

1 Thecla visits Paul, 6 visits Onesiphorus, 8 visits 
her mother, 9 who repulses her. 12 Is tempted by 
the devil. 16 Works miracles. 

BUT it was no small surprise to Paul, 
when he saw her and the people 
with her ; for he imagined some fresh 
trial was coming upon them ; 

2 Which when Thecla perceived, she 
said to him : I have been baptized, O 
Paul ; for he who assists you in preach- 
ing, has assisted me to baptize. 

3 Then Paul took her, and led her to 
the house of Hermes ; and Thecla rela- 
ted to Paul all that had befallen her in An- 
tioch, insomuch that Paul exceedingly 
wondered ; and all who heard were con- 
firmed in the faith, and prayed for Trifi- 
na's happiness. 

4 Then Thecla arose, and said to Paul, 
I am going to Tconium. Paul replied to 
her : Go, and teach the word of the 
Lord. 

5 But Trifina had sent large sums of 
money to Paul, and also clothing by the 
hands of Thecla, for the relief of the 
poor. 

6 1T So Thecla went to Iconium. And 
when she came to the house of Onesi- 
phorus, she fell down upon the floor 
where Paul had sat and preached, and, 
nixing tears with her prayers, she prais- 
ed and glorified God in the following 
words : 

7 Lord, the God of this house, in 
which I was first enlightened by thee ; 
Jesus, Son of the living God, who 



wast my helper before the governor, my 
helper in the fire, and my helper among 
the beasts ; thou alone art God for ever 
and ever, Amen. 

8 IF Thecla now (on her return) found 
Thamyris dead, but her mother living. 
So calling her mother, she said to her : 
Theoclia, my mother, is it possible for 
you to be brought to a belief, that there 
is but one Lord God, who dwells in the 
heavens ? If you desire great riches, 
God will give them to you by me ; if 
you want your daughter again, here I am. 

9 These and many other things she 
represented to her mother, (endeavoring) 
to persuade her (to her own opinion.) 
But her mother Theoclia gave no credit to 
the things which were said by the martyr 
Thecla. 

10 So that Thecla perceiving she dis- 
coursed to no purpose, signing her whole 
body with the sign (of the cross,) left the 
house, and went to Daphne ; and when 
she came there, she went to the cave, 
where she had found Paul with Onesi- 
phorus, and fell down upon the ground, 
and wept before God. 

11 When she departed thence, she 
went to Seleucia, and enlightened many 
in the knowledge of Christ. 

12 II And a bright cloud conducted 
her in the journey. 

13 And after she had arrived at Seleu- 
cia, she went to a place out of the city, 
about the distance of a furlong, being 
afraid of the inhabitants, because they 
were worshippers of idols. 

14 And she was led (by the cloud) 
into a mountain called Calamon, or Rode- 
on. There she abode many years, and 
underwent a great many grievous tempta- 
tions of the devil, which she bore in a be- 
coming manner, by the assistance which 
she had from Christ. 

15 At length certain gentlewomen 
hearing of the virgin Thecla, went to 
her, and were instructed by her in the 
oracles of God, and many of them aban- 
doned this world, and led a monastic life 
with her. 

16 Hereby a good report was spread 
every where of Thecla, and she wrought 
several (miraculous) cures, so that all 
the city and adjacent countries brought 
their sick to that mountain, and before 
they came as far as the door of the cave, 
they were instantly cured of whatsoever 
distemper they had. 

17 The unclean spirits were cast out, 

65 



Thecla taken 



PAUL AND THECLA. 



up to Heaven. 



making a noise ; all received their sick 
made whole, and glorified God, who had 
bestowed such power on the virgin 
Thecla ; 

18 [nsomuch that the physicians of 
Seleucia were now of no more account, 
and lost all the profit of their trade, be- 
cause no one regarded them ; upon which 
they were filled with envy, and began to 
contrive what methods to take with this 
servant of Christ. 

CHAP. XI. 

1 Is attempted to be ravished, 12 escapes by a rock 
opening, 17 and closing miraculously. 

THE devil then suggested bad advice 
to their minds ; and being on a cer- 
tain day met together to consult, they 
reasoned among each other thus : The 
virgin is a priestess of the great goddess 
Diana, and whatsoever she requests of 
her, is granted, because she is a virgin, 
and so is beloved by all the gods : 

2 Now then let us procure some rakish 
fellows, and after we have made them 
sufficiently drunk, and given them a good 
sum of money, let us order them to go 
and debauch this virgin, promising them, 
if they do it, a larger reward. 

3 (For they thus concluded among 
themselves, that if they be able to debauch 
her, the gods will no more regard her, 
nor Diana cure the sick for her.) 

4 They proceeded according to this re- 
solution, and the fellows went to the 
mountain, and as fierce as lions, to the 
cave, knocking at the door. 

5 The holy martyr Thecla, relying 
upon the God in whom she believed, 
opened the door, although she was before 
apprized of their design, and said to them, 
Young men, what is your business ? 

6 They replied, Is there any one with- 
in, whose name is Thecla ? She answer- 
ed, What would you have with her ? 
They said, We have a mind to lie with 
her. 

7 The blessed Thecla answered : 
Though I am a mean old woman, I am the 
servant of my Lord Jesus Christ ; and 
though you have a vile design against 
me, ye shall not be able to accomplish it. 
They replied : It is impossible but we 
must be able to do with you what we 
have a mind. 

8 And while they were saying this, 
they laid hold on her by main force, and 
would have ravished her. Then she 
with the (greatest) mildness said to them ; 

86 



Young men, have patience, and see the 
glory of the Lord. 

9 And while they held her, she looked 
up to heaven, and said : God most re- 
verend, to whom none can be likened ; 
who makest thyself glorious over thine 
enemies ; who didst deliver me from the 
fire, and didst not give me up to Thamy- 
ris, didst not give me up to Alexander ; 
who deliveredst me from the wild beasts ; 
who didst preserve me in the deep waters ; 
who hast every where been my helper, 
and hast glorified thy name in me 

10 Now also deliver me from the 
hands of these wicked and unreasonable 
men, nor suffer them to debauch my 
chastity, which I have hitherto preserved 
for thy honor ; for I love thee, and long 
for thee, and worship thee, Father, Son, 
and Holy Ghost, for evermore. Amen. 

11 Then came a voice from heaven, 
saying, Fear not, Thecla, my faithful ser- 
vant, for I am with thee. Look and see 
the place which is opened for thee : there 
thy eternal abode shall be ; there thou 
shalt receive the (beatific) vision. 

12 The blessed Thecla observing, saw 
the rock opened, to as large a degree as 
that a man might enter in ; she did as she 
was commanded, bravely fled from the 
vile crew, and went into the rock, which 
instantly so closed, that there was not 
any crack visible where it had opened. 

13 The men stood perfectly astonished 
at so prodigious a miracle, and had no 
power to detain the servant of God ; but 
only, catching hold of her veil, (or hood) 
they tore off a piece of it ; 

14 And even that was by the permis- 
sion of God, for the confirmation of their 
faith, who should come to see this vener- 
able place, and to convey blessings to 
those in succeeding ages, who should be- 
lieve on our Lord Jesus Christ from a 
pure heart. 

15 Thus suffered that first martyr and 
apostle of God, and virgin, Thecla ; who 
came from Iconium at eighteen years of 
age ; afterwards, partly in journeys and 
travels, and partly in a monastic life in 
the cave, she lived seventy- two years ; 
so that she was ninety years old when 
the Lord translated her. 

1 6 Thus ends her life. 

17 The day which is kept sacred to 
her memory, is the twenty-fourth of Sep- 
tember, to the glory of the Father, and 
the Son, and the Holy Ghost, now and 
for evermore. Amen. 



The Corinthians 



I. CORINTHIANS. 



commended for piety. 



The FIRST EPISTLE of CLEMENT to the CORINTHIANS. 

[Clement was a disciple of Peter, and afterwards Bishop of Rome. Clemens Alexandrinus calls him an 
apostle, Jerome says he was aa apostolical man, and Rufinus that he was almost an apostle. Euse- 
bius calls this the wonderful Epistle of St. Clement, and says that it was publicly read in the assem- 
blies of the primitive church, it is included in one of the ancient collections of the Canon of ►Scrip- 
ture. Its genuineness has been much questioned, particularly hy Photius, patriarch of Constantinople 
in the ninth century, who objects, that Clement speaks of worlds beyond the ocean ; that, he has not 
written worthily of the divinity of Christ ; and that, to prove the possibility of a future resurrection, he 
introduces the fabulous story of the phoenix's revival from its own ashes. To the latter objection, 
Archbishop Wake replies, that the generality of the ancient Fathers have made use of the some in- 
stance in proof of the same point ; and asks, if St. Clement really believed that there was such a bird, 
and that it did revive out of the cinders of the body afier burning, where was the great harm either in 
giving credit to such a wonder, or, believing it, to make such a use as he here does of it ] The present 
is the Archbishop's translation from the ancient Greek copy of the Epistle, which is at the cud of the 
celebrated Alexandrine MS. of. the Septuagint and New Testament, presented by Cyril, patriarch of 
Alexandria, to King Charles the First, now in the British Museum. The Archbishop, in prefacing his 
translation, esteems it a great blessing that this Epistle " was at last so happily found out for the in 
crease and confirmation both of our faith and charity."] 



CHAP. 1. 

He commends them for their excellent order and 
piety in Christ, before their schism broke out. 

THE Church of God which «is at 
Home, to the Church of God which 
a is at Corinth, b elect, sanctified, c hy the 
will of God, through Jesus Christ, our 
Lord : grace and peace from the Almighty 
God. by Jesus Christ, be multiplied unto 
you/ 1 

2 11 Brethren, the e sudden and unex- 
pected dangers and calamities that have 
fallen upon us, have, we fear, made us 
the more slow in our consideration of 
those things which you inquired of us: 

3 f As also of that wicked and detesta- 
ble sedition, so 6 unbecoming the elect of 
God, which a few heady and self-willed 
men have fomented to such a degree of 
madness, that your venerable and re- 
nowned name, so worthy of all men to 
be beloved, is greatly blasphemed thereby. 

4 For who that has h ever been among 
you has not experimented the firmness of 
your faith, 'and its fruitfulness in all 
good works ; and admired the temper and 
moderation of your religion in Christ : 
and published abroad the magnificence of 
your hospitality; and thought you happy 
in your perfect and certain knowledge of 
the Gospel ? 

5 For ye did all things without respect 
of persons, and walked k according to the 
laws of God ; being subject to those w T ho 



a Sojourneth. b Called. See Dr. Hammond on 
Matt. xx. c. c Gr. in. 4 See Bishop Pearson's Note 
on this place. Ed. Colomesii, p. 2. « Ibid, f And. 
I fir. Strange to. h Gr. Lodged as a stranger. 
* Adorned with all manner of virtues, k In. 



had the rule over you, and giving the 
honor that was fitting to such as were the 
! aged among you. 

6 Ye commanded the young men to 
think those things that were modest and 
grave. 

7 The women ye exhorted to do all 
things with an unblamable, and seemly, 
and pure conscience; loving their own 
husbands, as was fitting : and that keep- 
ing themselves within the m bounds of a 
due obedience, they should n order their 
houses gravely with all ° discretion. 

8 p Ye were all of you humble minded, 
not a boasting of anything: desiring rather 
to be subject than to govern ; to r give 
than to receive ; being e content with the 
portion God had dispensed to you : 

9 And hearkening diligently to his 
word, ye l were enlarged in your bowels, 
having his "sufferings always before your 
eyes. 

10 Thus a firm, and * blessed, and pro- 
fitable peace was given unto you ; and 
an unsalable desire of doing good; and a 
plentiful effusion of the Holy Ghost was 
upon all of you. 

11 And being full of w good designs, 
ye did with x great readiness of mind, and 
with a religious confidence, stretch forth 
your hands to God Almighty ; beseeching 
him to be merciful unto you, if in any- 



! Presbyters, m Canon, rule. » Themselves do 
their own business. Vid. Not. Junii in loc o Tem- 
perance, sobriety, p 1 Pet. v. 5. q Proud, r Acts, xx, 35 
s 1 Tim. vi. 8. t Embraced it in youi very bowels. 
u Uadfifxara. See Dr. Grabe's Addit. to Bishop 
Bull's Def. Fid. Nic. p. 60, 01. » Gr. \nrapa, 
w Holy counsel, or purpose, or will. x Gr. good. 

67 



jSnvy and emulation 



thing ye had unwillingly sinned against 
him. 

12 Ye contended day and night for the 
whole brotherhood ; that y with compas- 
sion, and a good conscience, the number 
of his elect might be saved. 

13 Ye were sincere, and without of- 
fence toward each other ; not mindful of 
injuries : all sedition and schism was an 
abomination unto you. 

14 Ye bewailed everyone his neigh- 
bour's sins, esteeming their defects your 
own. 

15 Ye z were kind one to another with- 
out grudging ; being ready to every good 
work. And being adorned with a con- 
versation altogether virtuous and reli- 
gious, ye did all things in the fear of God ; 
whose a commandments were written up- 
on the tables of your heart. 

CHAP. II. 

Hew their divisions began. 

ALL honour and enlargement was 
given unto you ; and so was fulfilled 
that which is written, b My beloved did 
eat and drink, he was enlarged and waxed 
fat, and he kicked. 

2 From hence came emulation, and 
envy, and strife, and sedition ; persecu- 
tion and c disorder, war and captivity. 

3 So they who were of no renown, 
lifted up themselves against the honoura- 
ble : those of no reputation, against those 
that were in respect ; the foolish against 
the wise ; the young men against the 
aged. 

4 Therefore righteousness and peace 
are departed from you, because every one 
hath forsaken the fear of God ; and is 
grown blind in his faith ; nor walketh by 
the rule of God's commandments, nor liv- 
eth as is fitting in Christ : 

5 But every one d follows his own 
wicked lusts ; having taken up an unjust 
and wicked envy, by which death first en- 
tered into the world. 

CHAP. III. 

Envy and emulation the original of all strife and 
disorder. Examples of the mischiefs they have 
occasioned. 

FOR thus it is written, e And in pro- 
cess of time it came to pass, that Cain 
brought of the fruit of the ground an of- 

y With mercy and conscience, z Ye were with- 
out repentance in all well-doing. Titus, iii. 1. 
a Prov. vii. 3. b Deut. xxxii. 15. c Confusion, tu- 
mults, &c. d Walketh after. « Gen. iv. 3, 6tc, 

68 



I. CORINTHIANS. 



the origin of strife* 



fering unto the Lord. And Abel, he also 
brought of the firstlings of his flock, and 
of the fat thereof : 

2 And the Lord had respect unto Abel, 
and to his offering. But unto Cain and 
unto his offering he had not respect. And 
Cain was very sorrowful, and his coun- 
tenance fell. 

3 And the Lord said unto Cain, Why 
art thou sorrowful? And why is thy 
countenance. fallen ? f If thou shaft offer 
aright, but not divide aright, hast thou 
not sinned ? Hold thy peace : unto thee 
shall be his e desire, and thou shalt rule 
over him. 

4 And Cain said unto Abel his brother, 
let us go down into the field. And it 
came to pass as they were in the field, 
that Cain rose up against Abel his brother, 
and slew him. 

5 Ye see, brethren, how envy and emu- 
lation wrought h the death of a brother. 
For i this our father k Jacob fled from the 
face of his brother Esau. 

6 It was this that caused Joseph to be 
persecuted even unto death, and to come 
into bondage. Envy forced m Moses to 
flee from the face of Pharaoh, king of 
Egypt, when he heard his* own country- 
man ask him, n Who made thee a judge 
and a ruler over us ? Wilt thou kill me 
as thou didst the Egyptian yesterday ? 

7 Through envy Aaron and Miriam 
were ° shut out of the camp, from the rest 
of the congregation, seven days. 

8 Emulation p sent Dathan and Abiram 
quick into * the grave, because they raised 
up a sedition against Moses, the servant 
of God. 

9 For this David r was not only hated 
of strangers, but was persecuted even by 
Saul the king of Israel. 

10 But 8 not to insist upon ancient ex- 
amples, let us come to those l worthies 
that have been nearest to us ; and take 
the brave examples of our own age. 

1 1 Through zeal and envy, n the most 
faithful and righteous pillars of the church 
have been persecuted even to the most 
grievous deaths. 

1 2 Let us set before our eyes the v Holy 
Apostles : Peter by unjust envy under- 
went not one or two, but many w suffer- 

fThis is according to the lxx. g 'AttootjOo^j), 
conversion, h Fratricide, i Envy, k Gen. xxviii. 
1 Gen. xxxvii. m Exod. ii. 15. n Exod. ii. 14. °Made 
to lodge out. Num. xii. J4, 15. P Brought, q Hades, 
r Had, or underwent the hatred, not only, &c. s To 
cease from, t Combatants, wrestlers, u The faithful 
iuid most righteous, v Good, w Labours, 



Exhorts them to live 



T. CORINTHIANS. 



ings; x till at last being martyred, he went 
to the place of glory that was due unto 
him. 

13 >'For the same cause, did Paul in 
like manner receive the reward of his pa- 
tience. Seven times z he was in bonds ; 
he was whipped, was stoned ; he preach- 
ed both in the East and in the West ; 
a leaving behind him the glorious report 
of his faith : 

14 And so having taught the whole 
world righteousness, and for that end tra- 
velled even to the utmost bounds of the 
West ; he at last suffered martyrdom b by 
the command of the governors, 

15 And departed out of the world, and 
went unto his holy place ; being become 
a most eminent pattern of patience unto 
all ages. 

16 To these c Holy Apostles were 
joined a very great number of others, who 
having through envy undergone in like 
manner many pains and torments, have 
d left a glorious example to us. 

17 For e this not only men, but wo- 
men, have been persecuted : f and having 
suffered very grievous and s cruel punish- 
ishment, have finished the course of their 
faith with firmness ; and though weak in 
body, yet received a glorious reward. 

1 8 h This has alienated the minds even 
of women from their husbands;- and 
changed what was once said by our fa- 
ther Adam ; - this is now bone of my 
bone, and flesh of my flesh. 

19 In a word, envy and strife, have 
overturned k whole cities, and rooted out 
great nations from off the earth. 

CHAP. IV. 

He exhorts them to live by the rules, and repent of 
their divisions, and they shall be forgiven. 

THESE things, beloved, we l write 
unto you, not only m for your instruc- 
tion, but also for our own remembrance. 

2 For we are all in the same n lists, and 
the same combat is ° prepared for us all. 

3 Wherefore let us lay aside all vain 
and empty cares ; and let us come up to 
the glorious and venerable rule of our 
holy calling. 



x And so. y By envy, z Having borne seven 
times bonds, &c. a He received the, &c. b Vide 
Pearson de Success, c viii § 9. c Men who have 
lived godly, is gathered together, d Become an ex 
celient example among us. e Envy, f The names 
of Danae and Dirce I omit.— See Junius Annot. in 
loc. g Cursed afflictions or torments, h Envy or 
emulation, i Gen. ii. 23. * Great. 1 Send, m In- 
structing you, but also remembering, &c. *» Place of 
encounter, o Imposed upon us all. 



orderly and repent. 



4 p Let us consider what is good, and 
acceptable, and well-pleasing in the sight 
of him that made us. 

5 Let us look stedfastly to the blood of 
Christ, and see how precious his blood is 
in the sight of God : which being shed for 
our salvation, ^has obtained the grace of 
repentance for all the world. 

6 Let us r search into all the ages that 
have gone before us ; and let us learn that 
our Lord has s in every one of them still 
given place for repentance to all such as 
would l turn to him. 

7 " Noah preached repentance ; and as 
many as hearkened to him were saved. 
v Jonah denounced destruction against the 
Ninevites : 

8 Howbeit they repenting of their sins, 
appeased God by their prayers; and 
w were saved, though they were strangers 
to the covenant of God. 

9 IT Hence we find how all the minis- 
ters of the grace of God have spoken by 
the Holy Spirit of repentance. And even 
the Lord of all, has himself x declared with 
an oath concerning it ; 

10 y As I live, saith the Lord, I desire 
not the death of a sinner, z but that he 
should repent. Adding farther this good 
sentence, saying : a Turn from your ini- 
quity 5 house of Israel. 

11 b Say unto the children of my peo- 
ple, though your sins should reach from 
earth to heaven; and though they should 
be redder than scarlet, and blacker than 
sackcloth : yet if ye shall turn to me with 
all your heart, and shall call me Father, 
I will hearken to you*, as to a holy people. 

12 And in another place he saith on 
this wise : c Wash ye, make you clean : 
put away d the evil of your doings from 
before mine eyes ; cease to do evil, learn 
to do well ; seek judgment, relieve the op- 
pressed, judge the fatherless, plead for the 
widow. 

13 Come now and let us reason to- 
gether, saith the Lord : though your sins 
be as scarlet, they shall be as white as 
snow ; though they be red as crimson, 
c they shall be as wool. 

14 [f ye be willing and obedient ye 
shall eat the good of the land : but, if ye 
refuse and rebel, ye shall be devoured 

P 1 Tim. v. 4. q Afforded or given to. ' Look 
diligently to. s From age to age. t Be turned. «2 
Peter, ii* 5. Gen. vii v Jon. iii. w Received sal- 
vation, x Spoken, y Ezek xxxiii 11. z So much 
as his repentance, a Repent from. Ezek. xviii. 30, 
3*2. b Isaiah, i. Jer. iii. 4 19. c Isaiah, i. 16. d Evil 
from your souls, e I will make them white as wool, 

69 



Sets before tJiem 



I. CORINTHIANS. 



examples of holy men. 



with the sword ; for the mouth of the 
Lord hath spoken it. 

15 These things has God established 
by his Almighty will, desiring that all his 
beloved should come to repentance. 

CHAP. V. 

He sets before them the examples of holy men, -whose 
piety is recorded in the Scriptures. 

WHEREFORE let us obey his ex- 
cellent and glorious will ; and f im- 
ploring his mercy and goodness, let us 
fall down upon our faces before him, and 
* cast ourselves upon his mercy ; laying 
aside all b vanity, and contention, and 
envy, which leads unto death. 

2 Let us look up to those who have 
the most perfectly ministered to his excel- 
lent glory. Let us take Enoch for our 
example ; who being found righteous in 
obedience, was ' translated, and his death 
was not k known. 

3 Noah l being proved to be faithful, 
did by his ministry preach m regeneration 
to the world ; and the Lord saved by him 
all the living creatures, that went " with 
one accord together into the ark. 

4 "Abraham, who was called God's 
friend, was in like manner found faiih- 
ful ; inasmuch as he obeyed the p com- 
mands of God. 

5 By obedience i he went out of his 
own country, and from his own kindred, 
and from his father's house ; that so for- 
saking a small country, and a w r eak af- 
finity, and a little house, he might inherit 
the promises of God* 

6 For thus God said unto him; r get 
thee out of thy country, and from thy 
kindred, and from thy father's house, un- 
to a land that I will show thee. 

7 And I will make thee a great nation, 
and I will bless thee, and make thy name 
great, and thou shalt be blessed. And I 
will bless them that bless thee, and curse 
them that curse thee; and in thee shall all 
families of the earth be blessed. 

8 And again when he separated him- 
self from Lot, God said unto him : 'Lift 
up now thine eyes, and look from the 
place where thou art, northward and 
southward, and eastward and * westward; 



f Becoming suppliants .of, fee. g Turn ourselves 
to his mercv. h Vain labour, i Gen. v. 24. k Found, 
l Being found, m Gen. vi. vii. viii. n In unity 
o James, ii 23. Isaiah, xli. 8. P Words. qThis 
man. r Gen. xii. I. s Gen. xiii. 14. t Towards the 
iea, 

70 



for all the land which thou seest, to thee 
will I give it, and to thy seed forever. 

9 And I will make thy seed as the 
dust of the earth, so that if a man can 
number the dust of the earth, then shall 
thy seed also be numbered. 

10 And again he saith : and u God 
brought forth Abraham, and said unto 
him; look now toward heaven, and tell 
the stars, if thou be able to number them : 
so shall thy seed be. 

1 1 And Abraham believed God, and it 
was counted to him for righteousness. 

12 Through faith and hospitality, v he 
had a son given him in his old age ; and 
through obedience he offered him up in 
sacrifice to God, upon one of the moun- 
tains which God showed unto him. 

CHAP. VI. 

And particularly such as have been eminent for their 
kindness and charity to their neighbors. 

Y w hospitality and godliness was Lot 
saved out of Sodom, when all the 
country round about was x destroyed by 
fire and brimstone : 

2 The Lord thereby making it mani- 
fest, that he will not forsake those that 
trust in him ; but y will bring the disobe- 
dient to punishment and correction. 

3 For his wife who went out with him, 
being of a different mind, 2 and not con- 
tinuing in the same obedience, was for 
that reason a set forth for an example, 
being turned into a pillar of salt unto this 
day. 

4 That so all men may know, that 
those who are double minded, and dis- 
trustful of the power of God, are b pre- 
pared for condemnation, and to be a sign 
to all succeeding ages. 

5 c By faith and hospitality was Ra- 
hab the harlot saved. For when the 
spies were sent by Joshua the son of 
Nun, to search out Jericho, and the king 
of Jericho knew that they were come to 
spy out his country ; he d sent men to 
take them, so that they might be put to 
death. 

6 e Rahab therefore, being hospitable, 
received them, and hid them under the 
stalks of flax, on the top of her house. 



u Gen. xv. 5. v A son was given unto him. 
w Gen. xix. 2 Peter, ii. 6. ,lude, 7. x See Not. 
Junii in loc , or punished with, y But those that 
turn another way, he puts, &c. z Not in concord, 
a Put for a sign, b Become, c Jos. ii. 1. &c. d He 
sent men that should take them, that being taken, 
&c, « Therefore u v uitable Rahab. 



Exhorts to kindness 



I. CORINTHIANS, 



and charily. 



7 And when the f messengers that were 
sent by the king came unto her, and ask- 
ed her, saying: s There came men unto 
thee to spy out the land ; bring them 
forth, for so the king hath commanded : 
She answered, h The two men whom ye 
seek came unto me, but presently they 
departed, and are gone : * Not discovering 
them unto them. 

8 Then she said to the k spies, ] I know 
that the Lord your God m has given this 
city into your bands ; for the fear of you 
is fallen upon all that dwell therein. 
When, therefore, ye shall have taken it, 
n ye shall save me and my father's house. 

9 And they answered her, saying, It 
shall be as thou hast spoken unto us. 
Therefore, when thou shalt know that 
we are near, thou shalt gather all thy 
f ami \v together upon the house-top, and 
they shall be saved ; but all that shall be 
found without thy house shall be de- 
stroyed. 

10 pAnd they gave her moreover a 
sign ; that she should hang out of her 
house a scarlet rope : * showing thereby, 
that by the blood of our Lord there should 
be redemption to all that believe and hope 
in God. Ye see, beloved, how there was 
not only faith, but prophesy too, in this 
woman. 

CHAP. VII. 

What rules are given for this purpose. 

LET us, therefore, humble ourselves, 
brethren, laying aside all pride, and 
boasting, and foolishness, and anger: 
And let us do as it is written. 

2 For thus saith the Holy Spirit ; • Let 
not the wise man glory in his wisdom, 
nor the strong man m his strength , nor the 
rich man in his riches ; but let him that 
glorieth, glory in the Lord, to seek him, 
and to do judgment and justice. 

3 Above all, remembering the words 
of the Lord Jesus, which he spake 'con- 
cerning equity and long-suffering, laying, 

4 u Be ye merciful, and yet shall obtain 
mercy ; forgive, and ye shall be forgiven ; 
as ye do, so shall it be done unto you ; 
as ye judge, so shall ye be judged ; as ye 
are kind to others, so shall God be kind 



• t Men being sent by the king, and saving. S Jos. 
ii. 3. h Ibid. 4, 5. i Vid. Conjectur. Coteler. in loc. 
k Men. 1 Jos. ii. 9. na Given vou this city. njos. 
ii. 13. o Ibid. 33, 19. p Ibid.' 18. q Many ot the 
Fathers have apnlied this to the same purpose. •— See 
not. Coteler. in loc. * Jer. ix. 23. Comp. 2 Cor. xi. 
30. « Teaching us. t For thus he saith. h Luke, 
vi, 36. 



to you; with what measure ye mete, 
with the same shall it be measured to you 
again. 

5 By this command, and by these rules, 
let us establish ourselves, that so we 
may always walk obediently to his holy 
words ; being humble minded : 

6 For so says v the Holy Scripture ; 
w upon whom shall I look, even upon him 
that is poor and of contrite spirit, and that 
trembles at my word. 

7 IT It is, therefore, just and x righteous, 
men and brethren, that we should become 
obedient unto God, rather than follow 
such as y through pride and sedition, have 
made themselves the ring-leaders of a de- 
testable emulation. 

8 For it is not an ordinary harm that 
we shall do ourselves, but rather a very 
great danger that we shall mn, if we 
shall rashly give up ourselves to the wills 
of men, who z promote strife and seditions, 
to turn aside from that which is fitting. 

9 But let us be kind to one another, 
according to the compassion and sweet- 
ness of him that made us. 

10 For it is written, a The merciful 
shall inherit the earth ; and they that are 
without evil shall be left upon it: b but 
the transgressors shall perish from off the 
face of it. 

11 And again he saith, C I have seen 
the wicked in great power, and spreading 
himself like the cedars of Libanus. I 
passed by, and lo he was not ; I sought 
his place, but it could not be found. 

12 Keep innoeency, and do the thing 
that is right, for there shall be a remnant 
to the peaceable man. 

13 Let us, therefore, hold fast to those 
w T ho d religiously follow peace ; and not 
to such as e only pretend to desire it. 

14 For he saith in a certain place, 
f This people honoreth me with their lips, 
but their heart is far from me. 

15 And again, They sbless with their 
mouth, h but curse in their heart. 

16 And again he saith, l They loved 
him with their mouth, and with their 
tongue they lied to him. For their heart 
was not right with him, neither were 
they faithful in his covenant. 

17 k Let all deceitful lips become dumb, 
and the tongue that speaketh proud things. 

v Holy Word, w Isaiah, lxvi. 2. * Holy. 1 In. 
z Prick "on to.— See Junius Ann. a psalm xxxvn. 
9. b p r ov. ii. 22. c Psalm, xxxvii. 2G. <* With re- 
ligion or godliness, e With hypocrisy will it. I Isai- 
ah, xxix. 13. Psalm lxii. 4. S Blessed, h Cursea, 
i Psalm Uxviii. 36, 37. * PsaJrn xii. 3. 

71 



Pious examples 



% I. CORINTHIANS. 



of holy men. 



Who have said, 'with our tongue will 
we prevail ; our Kps are our own, who is 
Lord over us ? 

1 8 For the oppression of the poor, for 
the sighing of the needy, now will I arise 
saith the Lord ; I will set him in safety, 
I will deal confidently with him. 

CHAP. VII. 

He advises them to be humble ; and that from the 
examples of Jesus and of holy men in all ages. 

FOR Christ is theirs who are humble, 
and not who exalt themselves over 
his flock. The sceptre of the majesty of 
God, our Lord Jesus Christ, came not in 
the m shew of pride and arrogance, "though 
he could have done so ; but with humility 
as the Holy Ghost had before spoken 
concerning him. 

2 For thus he saith, Lord, °who hath 
believed our report, and to whom is the 
arm of the Lord revealed ? For he shall 
grow up before him as a tender plant, 
and as a root out of a dry ground. 

3 He hath no form nor comeliness, 
and when we shall see him, there is no 
beauty that we should desire him. 

4 He is despised and rejected of men ; 
a man of sorrows and acquainted with 
grief. 

5 And we hid, as it were, our faces 
from him ; he was despised, and we es- 
teemed him not. 

6 Surely he hath borne our griefs, and 
carried our sorrows ; yet we did esteem 
him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. 

7 But he was wounded for our trans- 
gressions ; he was bruised for our iniqui- 
ties ; the chastisement of our peace was 
upon him ; and with his stripes we are 
healed. 

8 All we like sheep have gone astray ; 
we have turned every one to his own 
way, and the Lord hath laid on him the 
iniquity of us all. 

9 He was oppressed, and he was af- 
flicted, yet he opened not his mouth : he 
is brought as a lamb to the slaughter ; 
and as a sheep before her shearers is 
dumb, so he openeth not his mouth. 

10 He was taken from prison, and 
from judgment ; and who shall declare 
his generation ? For he was cut off out 
of the land of the living ; for the trans- 
gression of my people was he stricken. 

We will magnify our tongue. m Boasting. 
u YLalircp dvvafJitvws, though he were powerful. 
P Isaiah, liii. according to the Hebrew. 

12 



11 And he made his grave with the 
wicked, and with the rich in his death ; 
because he had done no violence, neither 
was any deceit in his mouth. 

e 12 Yet it pleased the Lord to bruise 
him, he hath put him to grief : when 
thou shalt make his soul an offering for 
sin, he shall see his seed, he shall pro- 
long his days; and the pleasure of the 
Lord shall prosper in his hand. 

1 3 He shall see of the travail of his 
soul and shall be satisfied ; by his know- 
ledge shall my righteous sen ant justify 
many : for he shall bear their iniquities. 

14 Theiefore will I divide him a por- 
tion with the great, and he shall divide 
the spoil with the strong; because he 
hath poured out his soul unto death : and 
he was numbered with the transgressors, 
and he bare the sin of many, and made 
intercession for the transgressors. 

15 And again he himself saith, pI am 
a worm and no man, a reproach of men, 
and despised of the people. NA11 they 
that see me laugh me to scorn ; they 
shoot out their lips, they shake their 
head, saying; He trusted in the Lord that 
he would deliver him seeing he delighted 
in him. 

16 Ye see, beloved, what the pattern 
is that has been given to us. For if the 
Lord thus humbled himself, what should 
we do who are brought <iby him under 
the yoke of his grace ? 

17 Let us be followers of those who 
went about in goat-skins and sheep-skins; 
preaching the coming of Christ. 

18 r Such were Elias, and Elisaeus, 
and Ezekiel, the prophets. s And let us 
add to these such others as have received 
the like testimony. 

19 Abraham has been greatly witness- 
ed of; having been called the friend of 
God. And yet he stedfastly beholding 
the glory of God, says with ail humility, 
*I am dust and ashes. 

20 Again, of Job it is thus written, 
u That he was just and without blame, 
true ; one that served God, and abstained 
from all evil. Yet he accusing himself, 
says, v No man is free from pollution, no 
not though he should live but one day. 

21 Moses was called faithful in all 
God's House ; and by his conduct w the 



P Psalm xxii. 6. q MS. oY avrS. T We say. 
s To thtse ; those also have been witnessed of. t Gen. 
xviii. 27. u Job, i. 1. v Job, xiv. 4 vr MS. 
licpivsv b Beds rdv IvpayX 6ia r&v pa?iy <av. 



Persuades to 



I. CORINTHIANS. 



Lord punished Israel by stripes and 
plagues. 

22 And even this man, though thus 
greatly honoured, spake not greatly of 
himself; but when the oracle of God 
was delivered to him out of the bush, he 
said, x Who am I, that thou dost send me ? 
I am of a slender voice, and a slow 
tongue. 

23 And again he saith, I am as the 
smoke of the pot. 

24 And what shall we say of David, 
so highly testified of in the Holy Scrip- 
tures? To whom God said, y I have 
found a man after my own heart, David 
the son of Jesse, with my holy oil have 
I annointed him. 

25 But yet he himself saith unto God, 
z Have mercy upon me, God, according 
to thy loving kindness; according unto 
the multitude of thy tender mercies blot 
out my transgressions. 

26 Wash me thoroughly from mine 
iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin. For 
I acknowledge my transgressions, and my 
sin is ever before me. 

27 Against Thee only have I sinned, 
and done this evil in thy sight, that thou 
mightest be justified when thou speakest, 
and be clear when thou judgest. 

28 Behold I was shapen in iniquity, 
and in sin did my mother conceive me. 

29 Behold, thou desirest truth in the 
inward parts ; and in the hidden part thou 
shalt make me to know wisdom. 

30 Purge me with hyssop and I shall 
be clean, wash me and I shall be whiter 
than snow. 

31 Make me to hear joy and gladness, 
that the bones which thou hast broken 
may rejoice. 

32 Hide thy face from my sins, and 
blot out all mine iniquities. 

33 Create in me a clean heart, God ; 
and renew a right spirit within me. 

34 Cast me not away from thy pre- 
sence, and take not thy holy spirit from 
me. 

35 Restore unto me the joy of thy sal- 
vation, and uphold me with thy free 
spirit. 

36 Then will I teach transgressors thy 
ways, and sinners shall be converted unto 
thee. 

37 Deliver me from blood-guiltiness, 
God, thou God of my salvation, and 



x Exod. iii. 11. Exod. iv. 10. 7 Psalm lxxxix. 20, 
* Psalm li. to v. 17, according to the Hebrew. 



healing of differences. 



my tongue shall sing aloud of thy right- 
eousness. 

38 Lord open thou my lips, and my 
mouth shall shew forth thy praise. 

39 For thou desirest not sacrifice, else 
would 1 give it ; thou delightest not in 
burnt offerings. 

40 The sacrifices of God are a broken 
spirit, a broken and a contrite heart, 
God, thou wilt not despise. 

CHAP. VIII. 

He again persuades them to compose their divisions. 

THUS has the humility and a godly 
fear of these b great and excellent 
men, Recorded in the Scriptures, tli rough 
obedience, made not only us, but also the 
generations before us better ; even as 
many as have received his holy oracles 
d with fear and truth. 

2 Having therefore so many, and such 
great and glorious ^examples, r let us re- 
turn to that peace, which was the mark 
that from the beginning was set before us : 

3 Let us look up to the Father and 
Creator of the whole world ; and let us 
hold fast to his glorious and exceeding 
gifts and benefits of peace. 

4 Let us ^consider and behold with the 
eyes of our Understanding, his long-suf- 
fering will ; and think how gentle and 
patient he is towards his whole creation. 

5 The heavens moving by his appoint- 
ment, are subject to him in peace. 

6 Day and night accomplish the courses 
that he has allotted unto them, not dis- 
turbing one another. 

7 The sun and moon, and all the sev- 
eral Companies and constellations of the 
stars, run the k courses that he has ap- 
pointed to them in concord, without de- 
parting in the least from them. 

8 The fruitful earth yields its food 
plentifully in due season both to man and 
beast, and to all animals that are upon it, 
according to his will ; not 1 disputing, nor 
altering any thing of what was ordered 
by him. 

9 So also the unfathomable and un- 
searchable floods of the deep, are kept in 
by his command : 

10 ra And the "conflux of the vast sea, 



a Tearfulness, b So great and such kind of men. 
c Witnessed of, or celebrated, din. e Deeds or 
works, f Let us return to the mark of peace given 
to us from the beginning, g See him with our un- 
derstanding, b. Soul. i Choruses. k Bounds. 
1 Doubting, m Vid. Edit. Colonies, p. 53. n Hollow, 
or depth. 

73 



To obedience 



1. CORINTHIANS. 



being brought together by his order into 
its several collections, passes not the 
bounds that he has set to it ; 

11 But as he Appointed it, so it re- 
mains. For he said, PHitherto shalt thou 
come, and thy floods shall be broken 
within thee. 

12 The ocean, unpassable to mankind, 
and the worlds that are beyond it, are 
governed by the same commands of their 
great master. 

13 Spring and summer, autumn and 
winter, give place peaceably to each 
other. 

14 The several ^quarters of the winds, 
fulfil their r work in their seasons, with- 
out offending one another. 

15 The ever-flowing fountains, made 
both for pleasure and health, never fail 
to reach out their breasts, to support the 
life of men. 

1C Even the smallest creatures «live 
together in peace and concord with each 
other. 

1 7 AH these has the Great Creator and 
Lord of all, commanded to observe peace 
and concord ; being good to all. 

1 8 Bui especially to us who flee to his 
mercy through our Lord Jesus Christ; 
to whom be glory and majesty for ever 
and ever, Amen. 

CHAP. IX. 

He exhorts them to obedience, from the consideration 
of the goodness of God, and of his presence in 
every place. 

TilAKE heed, beloved, that his many 
JL blessings be not to * us to condemna- 
tion ; except we shall walk worthy of 
him, doing with u one consent what is 
good and pleasing in his sight. 

2 v The spirit of the Lord is a candle, 
searching out the inward parts of the belly. 

3 Let us therefore consider how near 
he is to us ; and how that none of our 
thoughts, or reasonings which we frame 
within ourselves, are hid » from him. 

4 It is therefore just that we should 
not forsake our rank, by doing contrary 
to his will. 

5 Let us choose to offend a few foolish 
and inconsiderate men, lifted up, and 
gloiying x in their own pride, rather than 
God. 



o Commanded, so it does, p Job, xxxviii. q Sta- 
tions, r Service. « Mix together. t All of us. 
u With concord. V Prov. xx. 27. w That nothing 
is hid to him of our thoughts, or reasonings, x In 
the pride of their own speech, or reason. 

74 



of faith. 



6 Let us reverence our Lord Jesus 
Christ, w T hose blood was given for us. 

7 Let us honour those who are set 
over us ; let us respect the aged that are 
amongst us ; and let us instruct the 
younger men, in the discipline and fear of 
the Lord. 

8 Our wives let us y direct to do that 
which is good. 

9 Let them shew forth a lovely habit of 
purity in all their conversation ; with a 
sincere affection of * meekness. 

10 Let the a government of their tongues 
b be made manifest by their silence. 

1 1 Let their charity be without respect 
of persons, alike towards all such as re- 
ligiously fear God. 

12 Let your children c be bred up in the 
instruction of Christ: 

13 And especially let them learn how 
great a power humility has with God ; 
how much a pure and holy charity avails 
with him ; how excellent and great his 
fear is ; and how it will d save all such as 
turn to him with holiness in a pure mind. 

14 For he is the searcher of the 
thoughts and counsels of the heart ; 
whose breath is in us, and when he 
pleases he can take it from us. " 

CHAP. X. 

Of faith : and particularly what we are to believe as 
to the Resurrection. 

BUT all these things e must be con- 
firmed by the faith which is in 
Christ ; for so he himself bespeaks us by 
the Holy Ghost. 

2 f Come ye children and hearken unto 
me, and I will teach you the fear of the 
Lord. What man is there that desireth 
life, and loveth to see good days ? 

3 Keep thy tongue from evil, and thy 
lips that they speak no guile. 

4 Depart from evil and do good ; seek 
peace and ensure it. 

5 The eyes of the Lord are upon the 
righteous, and his ears are open unto their 
prayers. 

6 But the face of the Lord is against 
them that do evil, to cut off the remem- 
brance of them from the earth. 

7 The righteous cried, and the Lord 
heard him, and delivered him out of all 
his troubles. 

8 eMany are the h troubles of the i! 



y Correct, or amend. z Will, or counsel, » Mod- 
eration, b Let them manifest, c Partake of. d Sa- 
ving, e The faith confirms. f Psalm xxxiv. 11. 
e Psalm xxxii. 10. h Scourges. 



Various proofs 



I. CORINTHIANS. 



from nature 



wicked ; but they that trust in the Lord, 
mercy shall encompass them about. 

9 Our all -merciful and beneficent Father 
hath bowels of compassion towards them 
that hear him ; and kindly and lovingly 
bestows his graces upon all such as come 
to him with a simple mind. 

10 Wherefore let us not « waver, neither 
let us have any doubt in our hearts, of 
his excellent and glorious gifts. 

1 1 k Let that be far from us which is 
written, l Miserable are the double-minded, 
and those who are doubtful in their hearts. 

12 Who say, These things have we 
heard, and our fathers have told us these 
things. But behold we are grown old, 
and none of them have happened unto us. 

13 ye fools ! m consider the trees ; 
take the vine for an example. First it 
sheds its leaves ; then it buds ; after that 
it spreads its leaves ; then it flowers ; then 
come the sour grapes ; and after them fol- 
lows the ripe fruit. Ye see how in a 
little time the fruit of the tree comes to 
maturity. 

14 Of a truth, yet a little while and 
his will shall suddenly be accomplished. 

15 The Holy Scripture itself bearing 
witness, That n He shall quickly come 
and not tarry, and that the Lord shall 
suddenly come to his temple, even the 
holy one whom ye look for. 

16 Let us consider, beloved, how the 
Lord does continually shew us, that there 
shall be a future resurrection ; of which 
he has made our Lord Jesus Christ the 
first-fruits, raising him from the dead. 

17 Let us p contemplate, beloved, the 
resurrection that is q continually made 
before our eyes. 

18 Day and night manifest a resurrec- 
tion to us. The night lies down, and the 
day arises : again the day departs and the 
night comes on. 

19 Let us behold the fruits of the 
earth. Every one sees how the seed is 
sown. The sower r goes forth, and casts 
it upon the earth; and the seed which 
when it was sown fell upon the earth dry 
and naked, in time dissolves. 

20 And from the dissolution, the great 
power of the providence of the Lord 
raises it again ; and of one seed many 
arise, and bring forth fruit. 



i Be double-minded, k Let the writing be far 
from us. 1 James, i. 8. m Compare yourselves unto 
a tree, n Ex. MS. omitted by Junius, flab. 3, ii. Mai. 
iii. 1. o Coteler. v Ayyc\os, Angel, p See. q Made 
every season, r Went forth, and so in the rest. 



CHAP. XL 

The Resurrection further proved. 

LET us consider that wonderful •type 
of the resurrection, which is seen in 
the eastern countries ; that is to say, in 
Arabia. 

2 There is a certain bird called a Phoe- 
nix : of this there is never but one at a 
time ; and that lives five hundred years 
And when the time of its dissolution 
draws near, that it must die, it makes 
itself a nest of frankincense and myrrh, 
and other spices, into which, when its 
time is fulfilled, it enters and dies. 

3 But its flesh purifying, breeds a cer- 
tain worm, which being nourished with 
the juice of the dead l bird brings forth 
feathers ; and when it is grown to u a per- 
fect state, it takes up the nest in which 
the bones of its v parent lie, and carries 
it from Arbaia into Egypt, to a city called 
Heliopolis : 

4 And flying in open day in the sight 
of all men, lays it upon the altar of the 
sun, and so returns from whence it came. 

5 The priests then search into the re- 
cords of the time ; and find that it returned 
precisely at the end of five hundred years. 

6 And * shall we then think it* to be 
any very great and strange thing, for the 
Lord of all to raise up those that reli- 
giously serve him in the assurance of a 
good faith, when even by a bird he shew3 
us the greatness of his power to fulfil his 
promise ? 

7 For he says in a certain place, Thou 
shalt raise me up and I shall confess unto 
thee. 

8 And again, x I laid me down and 
slept, and awaked, because thou art with 
me. 

9 And again, Job says, y thou shalt 
raise up this flesh of mine that has suf- 
fered all these things. 

10 Having therefore this hope, let us 
z hold fast to him who is faithful in all 
his promises, and righteous 'in all his 
judgments ; who has commanded us not 
to lie, how much more will he not him- 
self lie ? 

1 1 For nothing is impossible with God, 
but to lie. 

12 Let his faith then be stirred up 
again in us ; and let us consider that all 
things are nigh unto him. 

13 By the word of his a power he made 



* Sign, t Animal, u Strong, 
x Psalm iii. 5. y Job, xix. 20. 
fastened, a Majesty. 



v Progenitor. ^Do. 
2 Ler our minds be 

75 



of the resurrection. 



I. CORINTHIANS. 



God's vengeance. 



ail things ; and by b the same word he is 
able, (whenever he will,) to destroy them. 

14 c Who shall say unto him, What 
dost thou ? Or who shall resist the power 
of his strength ? 

15 When, and as he pleased, d he will 
do all things ; and nothing shall pass 
away of ali that has been determined by 
him. 

16 All things are open before him : 
nor can any thing be hid from his counsel. 

17 eThe heavens declare the glory of 
God, and the firmament sheweth his 
handy work. Day unto day uttereth 
speech, and night unto night sheweth 
knowledge. There is no speech nor lan- 
guage where their voice is not heard. 

CHAP. XIL 

It is impossible to escape the vengeance of God, if 
we continue in sin. 

SEEING then all things are seen and 
heard by God ; let us fear him, and 
let us lay aside our wicked works which 
proceed from ill desires ; that through his 
mercy we may be f delivered from the 
i condemnation to come. 

2 For whither can any of us flee from 
his mighty hand ? Or what world shall 
receive any of those who run away from 
him ? 

3 For thus saith the Scripture in a cer- 
tain place, L Whither shall I flee from thy 
spirit, or where shall 1 hide myself from 
thy presence ? 

4 If I ascend up into heaven, thou art 
there : if I shall go to the utmost parts 
of the earth, there is thy right hand : if I 
shall make my bed in the deep, thy Spirit 
is there. 

5 Whither then shall any one go ; or 
whither shall he run from him that com- 
prehends all things ? 

6 Let us therefore come to him with 
holiness of i heart, lifting up chaste and 
undehled hands unto him : loving our 
gracious and merciful Father, who has 
made us k to partake of his election. 

7 For so it is written, l When the Most 
High divided the nations, when he sepa- 
rated the sons of Adam, he set the bounds 
of the nations, according to the number 
of his angels : m his people Jacob became 
the portion of the Lord, and Israel the lot 
of his inheritance. 



8 And in another place he saith, "Be- 
hold the Lord taketh unto himself a nation, 
out of the midst of the nations, as a man 
taketh the first-fruits of his flour ; ° and 
the Most Holy shall come out of that 
nation. 

CHAP. XIII. 

How we must live that we may please God. 

WHEREFORE we being a part of 
the Holy One ; let us do all those 
things that pertain unto holiness ; 

2 Fleeing all evil-speaking against one 
another ; all filthy and impure embraces, 
together with all drunkenness, youthful 
lusts, abominable concupiscenses, detesta- 
ble adultery, and execrable pride. 

3 p For God, saith he, resisteth the 
proud, but giveth grace to the humble. 

4 Let us therefore hold fast to those to 
whom i God has given his grace. 

5 And let us put on concord being 
humble, temperate ; free from all whisper- 
ing and detraction ; and justified by our 
r actions, not our words. 

6 For he saith, s Doth he that speaketh 
and heareth many things, and that is of a 
ready tongue, suppose that he is right- 
eous ? t Blessed is he that is born of a 
woman, that liveth but a few days: u use 
not therefore much speech. 

7 Let our praise be of God, not of our- 
selves ; for God hateth those that r com- 
mend themselves. 

8 Let the witness of our good actions 
be given to us of others, as it was given 
to the holy men that went before us. 

9 Rashness, and arrogance, and confi- 
dence, belong to them who are accursed 
of God : but equity, and humility, and 
mildness, to such as are blessed by him. 

1 Let us then lay hold of his blessing, 
and let us w consider what are the ways 
by which w T e may attain unto it. 

1 1 Let us x look back upon those 
things that have happened from the be- 
ginning. 

12 For what was our Father Abraham 
blessed ? Was it not because that through 
faith he wrought righteousness and truth ' 

13 Isaac being* fully persuaded of what 



b His word. c Wisd. xii. J2. d MS. noifjaei. 
e if the. &c. Psalm xix. 1. f Covered, g Judgments, 
b Psalm cxxxix. 7. i Mind, k A part. IDeut. xxxii. 
8, 9. m So the LXX. 

76 



nDeut. iv. 34. o Isaiah, xi. 1. p James, iv. 6. 1 
Pet. v. 5. <1 The grace of God has been given, 
r Works, s He that speaketh rnuny things shall also 
hear, &c. t Job, xi. 2, 3. lxx. u Be not much in 
words, v Are praised of. w See what are the ways 
of his blessing, x Unrol. y With full persuasion, 
foreknowing what was to be, pleasingly became a 
sacrifice. 



Of justification 



he knew was to come, cheerfully yielded 
himself up for a sacrilice. Jacob with 
humility departed out of his own country, 
fleeing from his brother, and went unto 
Laban and served him : and so the sceptre 
of the twelve tribes of Israel was given 
unto him. 

14 Now what the greatness of z this 
gift was, will plainly appear, if we shall 
take the pains distinctly to consider all 
the parts of it. 

15 For from him came the priests and 
Levites ; who all ministered at the altar 
of God. 

16 From him came our Lord Jesus 
Christ, according to the flesh. 

17 From him came the kings, and 
princes, and rulers in Judah. 

18 Nor were the rest of his a tribes in 
any small glory : God having promised 
that b thy seed, (says he,) shall be as the 
stars of heaven. 

19 They were all therefore c greatly 
glorified, not for their own sake, or for 
their own works, or for the righteousness 
that they themselves wrought, but through 
his will. 

20 And we also being called by the 
same will in Christ Jesus, are not justi- 
fied by ourselves, neither by our own 
wisdom, or knowledge, or piety, or the 
works which we have done d in the holi- 
ness of our hearts : 

21 But by that faith by which God Al- 
mighty has justified all men from the 
beginning ; to whom be glory for ever 
and ever, Amen. 

CHAP. XIV. 

We are justified by faith : yet this must not lessen 
our care to live well, nor our pleasure in it. 

HAT shall we do therefore, breth- 
ren ? Shall we be slothful in 



J. CORINTHIANS. 



by faith and works. 



w 



well-doing, and lay aside our charity ? 
God forbid that any such thing should be 
done by us. 

2 But rather let us hasten with all 
earnestness and readiness of mind, toper- 
feet every good work. For even the 
Creator and Lord of all things himself re- 
joices in his own works. 

3 By his e Almighty power he fixed 
the heaven, and by his incomprehensible 
wisdom he adorned them. 



z The gifts that were given by him, were, he shall 
know whosoever will one by one, carefully and dis- 
tinctly consider them, a Sceptres : See Jun. Annot. 
bGen. xiii. 16. c Glorified and magnified. din 
holiness of heart, e All-greatest, 



4 He also divided the earth from the 
water, with which it was encompassed ; 
and fixed it as a secure tower, upon the 
foundation of his own will. 

5 He also by his appointment, com- 
manded all the living creatures that are 
upon it, to exist. 

6 So likewise the sea, and all the crea- 
tures that are in it ; having first created 
them, he enclosed them therein by his 
power. 

7 And above all, he with his body and 
pure hands, formed man, the most excel- 
lent, and, as to his understanding, truly 
the greatest of all other creatures, the 
character of his own image 

8 For so God says, f Let us make 
man in our own image, after our own 
likeness : so God created man, male and 
female created he them. 

9 And having thus finished all these 
things, he commended all that he had 
made, and blessed them, and said, sin- 
crease and multiply : 

10 We see how all righteous men 
have been adorned with good works : 
Wherefore even the Lord himself, having 
adorned himself with his works, rejoiced. 

1 1 Having therefore h such an example, 
let us without delay l fulfil his will ; 
and with all our strength, work the work 
ot righteousness. 

CHAP. XV. 

This enforced from the examples of the holy angels, 
and from the exceeding greatness of that reward 
which God has prepared for us. 

THE good workman with confidence 
receives the bread of his k labour ; 
but the sluggish and lazy cannot look him 
in the face that set him on work. 

2 We must therefore be ready and for- 
ward in well doing ; for from him are all 
things. 

3 And thus he foretels us, ] behold 
the Lord cometh, and his reward is with 
him, even before his face, to render to 
every one according to his work. 

4 He warns us therefore before hand, 
with all his heart, to this end, that we 
should not be slothful . and negligent in 
m well-doing. 

5 Let our boasting, therefore, and our 
confidence be in n God : let us submit 
ourselves to his will. Let us consider 
the whole multitude of his angels, how 

f Gen. i. 26, 27. g Gen. i. 28, h This, i Come 
to, k Work. 1 Isaiah, xl. 10. Ixii. 11. m Every 
good work, n Him. 

77 



Of attaining the rewards I. CORINTHIANS. 

ready they stand to minister unto his 
will. 

6 As saith the scripture, ° thousand of 
thousands stood before him, and ten 
thousand times ten thousand ministered 
unto him. PAnd they cried, saying, 
Holy, holy, holy, is the Loid of Sabbaoth : 
q The whole earth is full of his glory. 

7 "Wherefore let us also, being consci- 
entiously gathered together in concord 
with one another ; as it were with one 
mouth, cry earnestly unto him, that he 
would make us partakers of his great 
and glorious promises. 

8 For he saith, r Eye hath not seen, 
nor ear heard, neither have entered into 
the heait of man, the things which God 
has prepared for them that wait for him. 



of the righteous. 



CHAP. XVI. 

1 We must attain unto this reward by faith and obe- 
dience, which we must carry on in an orderly pur- 
suing of the duties of our several stations, without 
envying or contention. 24 The necessity of dif- 
ferent orders among men. 33 We have none of 
us any thing but what we received of God ; whom 
therefore we ought in every condition thankfully 
to obey. 

fOW blessed and wonderful, belov- 
ed, are the gifts of God. 

2 Life in immortality ! brightness in 
righteousness ! truth in full assurance ! 
faith in confidence ! temperance in holi- 
ness ! 

3 And all this has 8 God subjected to 
our understanding : 

4 What therefore shall those things be 
which he has prepared for them that wait 
for him ? 

5 The Creator and Father of l spirits, 
the Most Holy ; he only knows both the 
u greatness and beauty of them. 

6 Let us therefore strive with all ear- 
nestness, that we may be found in the 
number of those that wait for Trim, that 
so we may receive the v reward which he 
has promised. 

7 But how, beloved, shall we do this ? 
"We must fix our minds by faith towards 
God, and seek those things that are pleas- 
ing and acceptable unto him. 

8 We must x act conformably to his 
holy will; and follow the way of truth, 
casting oil from us all unrighteousness 
and iniquity, together with all covetous- 
ness, strife, evil manners, deceit, whis- 

oDan. vii. 10. p Isaiah, vi. 3. q Every creature. 
r Isaiah, lxiv. 4. 1 Cor. ii. 9. » He. t Ages, u Quan- 
tity, v Gifts, w If we shall, x Perform those things 
that are agreeable. 

78 



pering, detractions ; all hatred of God, 
pride, and boasting ; vanity and ambition : 

9 For they that do these things, are 
odious to God : and not only they that 
do them, but also y all such as approve of 
those that do them. 

10 For thus saith the scripture, z But 
unto the wicked God said, What hast 
thou to do to declare my statutes, or that 
thou shouldst take my covenant in thy 
mouth ? Seeing that thou hatest instruc 
tion, and castest my words behind thee. 

11 When thou sawest a thief, then 
thou consentedst with him ; and hast 
been partaker with adulterers. Thou 
givest thy mouth to evil, and thy tongue 
frameth decit. Thou sittest and speakest 
against thy brother ; thou slanderest thine 
own mother's son. 

12 These things hast thou done and 1 
kept silence ; thou thoughtest that 1 was 
altogether such a one as thyself : but I 
will reprove thee, and set them in order 
before thine eyes. 

13 New consider this ye that forget 
God, lest I tear you in pieces, and there 
be none to deliver. 

14 Whoso ofrereth praise, -glorineth 
me : And to him that dispose! h his way 
aright, will I shew the salvation of God. 

15 This is the way, beloved, in which 
we may find a our Saviour, even Jesus 
Christ, the high-priest of all our offerings, 
the defender and helper of our weakness. 

16 By him we look up to the b highest 
heavens ; and behold, as in a glass, his 
spotless and most excellent visage. 

17 By him are the eyes of our hearts 
opened ; by him our foolish and darkened 
understanding rejoiceth to behold his 
wonderful light. 

18 By him would God have us to taste 
the knowledge of immortality ; c who 
being the brightness of his glory, is by so 
much greater than the angels, as he has 
by inheritance obtained a more excellent 
name than they. 

19 For so it is written, d who maketh 
his angels spirits, and his ministers a 
flame of fire. 

20 But to his Son, thus saith the Lord, 
e Thou art my Son, to-day have 1 begot- 
ten thee. 

21 r Ask of me, and 1 will give thee 
the heathen for thine inheritance, and the 

y Rom. i. 32. z Psalm I. 15, &c, according to the 
Hebrew a That which has the power to save U3 
b Heights of heaven, c Heb. i. 3, 4. d Psalm civ. 4 
Heb. i. 7. e Heb. i. 5. f Comp. Psalm ii. 7, 8. 



Faith and obedience 



\ CORINTHIANS. 



in our callings. 



utmost parts of the earth for thy posses- 
sion. 

22 And again he saith unto him, g Sit 
thou on my right hand, until I make thine 
enemies thy footstool. 

23 But who are his enemies ? Even 
the wicked, and such who oppose their 
own wills to the will of God. 

24 Let us therefore h march on, men 
and brethren, with all earnestness in his 
holy laws. 

25 Let us consider those who fight 
under our earthly governors : How order- 
ly, how readily, and with what exact 
obedience they perform those things that 
are commanded them ? 

26 All are not * generals, nor k colo- 
nels, nor l captains, nor m inferior officers : 

27 But every one in his respective 
rank does what is commanded him by 
the king, and those who have the authori- 
ty over him. 

28 They who are great, cannot subsist 
without those that are little ; nor the lit- 
tle without the great. 

29 But there must be a mixture in all 
things, and then there will be use and 
profit too. 

30 Let us, n for example, take our 
body : the head without the feet is noth- 
ing, neither the feet without the head. 

31 And even the smallest members of 
our body are yet both necessary and use- 
ful to the whole body. 

32 But all conspire together, and oare 
subjects to one common use, namely, the 
preservation of the whole v body. 

33 Let therefore our whole body be 
saved in Christ Jesus : and let every one be 
subject to his neighbour, i according to 
the order in which he is placed by the 
f gift of God. 

34 Let not the strong man despise the 
weak ; and let the weak see that he re- 
verence the strong. 

35 Let the rich man distribute to the 
necessity of the poor : and let the poor 
bless God, that he has given one unto 
him, by whom his want may be supplied. 

36 Let the wise man shew forth his 
wisdom, not in words, but in good works. 

37 Let him that is humble, not bear 
witness to himself, but let him leave it to 
another to bear witness of him. 



g Heb. i. 13. Psalm ex. 1. h War. i Prefects. 

I k Commanders of a thousand. 1 Centurions. niCom- 

' manders of fifty, and so on. n l Cor. xii. 13, 21. 

o Uie one common subjection, p MS. to a&fJia. 

\ q As also he has been placed, r His gift. 



38 Let him that is pure in the flesh, 
not grow proud of it, knowing that it 
was B from another that he received the 
gift of continence. 

39 Let us consider therefore, brethren, 
t whereof we are made ; who, and what 
kind of men we came into the world, as 
it were out of a sepulchre, and from outer 
darkness. 

40 He that made us, and formed us, 
brought us into his own world ; having u 
prevented us with his benefits, even be- 
fore we were born. 

41 Wherefore having received all these 
things from him, we ought in every thing, 
to give thanks unto him : to whom be 
glory for ever and ever. Amen. 

CHAP. XVII. 

From whence he exhorts them to do every thing 
orderly in the Church, as the only wav to please 
God. 

FOOLISH and unwise men, v who 
have neither prudence, nor learning, 
may mock and deride us ; being willing 
to set up themselves in their own con- 
ceits : 

2 w But Avhat can mortal man do ? Or 
what strength is there in him that is made 
out of the dust ? 

3 For it is written, There was no shape 
before mine eyes ; only I heard a x sound 
and a voice. 

4 y For what ? Shall man be pure be- 
fore the Lord ? Shall he be blameless in 
his works ? 

5 Behold, he trusteth not in his ser- 
vants : and his angels he charged with 
folly. 

6 \ea, the heaven is not clean in his 
sight, how much less they that dwell in 
houses of clay ; of which also we our- 
selves were made ? 

7 He smote them as a moth ; and from 
morning even unto the evening they en- 
dure not. Because they were not able to 
help themselves they perished : he breath- 
ed upon them and they died, because they 
had no wisdom. 

8 z Call now if there be any that will 
answer thee; and to which of the angels 
wilt thou look ? 

9 For wrath killeth the foolish man, 
and envy slayeth him that is in error. 

10 I have seen the foolish taking root, 



s Another that gave him. t Of what matter. 
u Prepared for us. v And imprudent, and without 
instruction, w For. x An air. y Job, iv. 17, &c. 
xv. 15. iv. 19. z Job, v, 1, &c. 

79 



Order in the church 



I. CORINTHIANS. 



pleasing to God. 



but lo, their habitation was presently con- 
sumed. 

1 1 Their children were far from safety, 
they a perished at the gates of those who 
were lesser than themselves ; and there 
w r as no man to b help them. 

12 For what was prepared for them, 
the righteous c did eat : and they shall 
not be delivered from evil. 

13 Seeing then these things are mani- 
fest unto us, it will behove us, to take 
care that looking into the depths of the 
divine knowledge, we do all things in 
order, whatsoever our Lord has com- 
manded us to do. 

14 And particularly, that we perform 
our offerings and service to God, at their 
appointed seasons : for these he has com- 
manded to be done, not d rashly and dis- 
orderly, but at certain determinate times 
and hours. 

15 And therefore he has ordaiifed by 
his supreme will and authority, both 
where, and by what persons, they are 
to be performed : that so all things being 
piously done unto all well- pleasing, they 
may be acceptable unto e him. 

16 They, therefore, who make their 
offerings at the appointed season, are 
happy and accepted : because that obey- 
ing the commandments of the Lord, they 
are free from sin. 

17 And the same care mast be had of 
the persons that minister unto him. 

18 f For the chief -priest has his proper 
services ; and to the priests their proper 
place is appointed ; and to the Levites 
appertain their proper ministries : and the 
layman is confined within the bounds of 
what is commanded to laymen. 

19 Let every one of you therefore, 
brethren, bless God in his proper station, 
with sa good conscience, and with all 
gravhy, not exceeding the rule of his ser- 
vice that is appointed to him. 

20 The daily sacrifices are not offered 
every where ; nor the peace-offerings, 
nor the sacrifices appointed for sins and 
transgressions ; but only at Jerusalem : 
nor in any place there, but only at the 
altar before the temple ; that which is 
offered being first diligently examined by 
the high-priest and the other ministers 
we before mentioned. 

21 They therefore who do any thing 



which is not agreeable to his will, are 
punished with death. 

22 h Consider, brethren, that by how 
much the better knowledge God has 
vouchsafed unto us, by so much the 
greater danger are we exposed to. 

CHAP. XVIII. 

The orders of Ministers in Christ's Church establish- 
ed by the Apostles, according to Christ's com- 
mand, 7 after the example of Moses. 16 There- 
fore they who have been duly placed in the minis- 
try according to their order, cannot without great 
sin be put out of it. 

THE Apostles have preached to us 
from our Lord Jesus Christ : Jesus 
Christ from God. 

2 Christ therefore was sent by God, 
the Apostles by Christ- so both were 
orderly 'sent, according to the will of 
God. 

3 For having received their command, 
and being thoroughly assured by the re- 
surrection of our Lord Jesus Christ ; k and 
convinced by the word of God, with the 
1 fulness of the Holy Spirit, they went 
abroad, publishing, That the kingdom of 
God was at hand. 

4 And thus preaching through coun- 
tries and cities, m they appointed the first 
fruits of their conversions to be bishops 
and ministers over such as should after- 
wards believe, having first proved them 
by the Spirit. 

5 Nor was this any new thing : see- 
ing that long before it was WTitten con- 
cerning bishops and deacons. 

6 For thus saith the Scripture, in a 
certain place ; n l will appoint their °over- 
seers in righteousness, and their ministers 
in faith. 

7 And what wonder if they, to whom 
such a work was committed by God in 
Christ, established such officers as we 
before mentioned ; when even that bless- 
ed and faithful servant in all his house, 
Moses, Pset down in the Holy Scriptures 
all things that were commanded him. 

8 Whom also all the rest of the proph- 
ets followed, bearing witness with one 
consent to those things that were appoint- 
ed by him. 

9 For he, perceiving an ^emulation to 
arise among the tribes concerning the 
priesthood, and that there was a strife 
about it, which of them should be adorned 



a Were crushed upon, b Deliver, c Eat. d By 
chance, e To his will, f See Coteler. in loc. S Be- 
ing in a good conscience. 

80 



h Ye see i Done, k 1 Thess. i. 5. 1 With the 

full assurance, m Vid. Coteler. in loc. n Isaiah, lx. 

17. o Bishops, Deacons, p Signified, q An emu- 
lation happening. 



Exhorts to peace 



I. CORINTHIANS. 



from holy examples. 



with that glorious name ; commanded 
their twelve captains to bring to him 
r twelve rods; every tribe being written 
upon its rod, according to its name. 

1 And he then took them and bound 
them together, and sealed them with the 
seals of the twelve princes of the tribes ; 
and laid them up in the tabernacle of wit- 
ness, upon the table of God. 

1 1 And when he had shut the door of 
the tabernacle, he sealed up the keys of 
it, in like manner 8 as he had done the 
rods ; and said unto them, Men and breth- 
ren, whichsoever tribe shall have its rod 
blossom, that tribe has God chosen to 
perform the office of a priest, and tfo 
minister unto him in holy things. 

12 And when the morning was come, 
he called together all Israel, six hundred 
thousand men ; and shewed to their prin- 
ces the seals ; and opened the tabernacle 
of witness ; and brought forth the rods. 

13 And the rod of Aaron was found 
not only to have blossomed, but also to 
have fruit upon it. 

14 What think you, beloved ? Did not 
Moses before know u what should happen ? 

15 Yes verily: but to the end there 
might be no division, nor tumult in Israel, 
he did in this manner, that the name of 
the true and only God might be glorified ; 
to him be honour for ever and ever, 
Amen; 

16 So likewise our Apostles knew by 
our Lord Jesus Christ, that there should 
contentions arise, v upon the account of 
the ministry. 

17 And the; sfore having a perfect fore- 
knowledge of this, they appointed per- 
sons, as we have before said, and then 
w gave direction how, when they should die 
other chosen and approved men should 
succeed in their ministry. 

18 Wherefore we cannot think that 
those may justly be thrown out of their 
ministry, who were either appointed by 
them, or afterwards chosen by other emi- 
nent men, with the consent of the whole 
church ; and who have with all lowli- 
ness and innocency ministered to the 
flock of Christ, in peace, and without 
self-interest, and were for a long time 
commended by all. 



r Numb. xvii. ■ And the rods, t To exercise the 
office of the priesthood, and to minister, &c. "That 
this should be so. v About the name of the bishop- 
rick. w Left a list of other chosen and approved 
persons, who should succeed them in their ministry. 
See Dr. Arden's Disc, on this passage. Dr. Ham- 
mond's Power of the Keys, c. iii. p. 413. 



1 9 For it would be no small sin in us, 
should we cast off those from their min- 
istry, who holily and without blame y fulfil 
the duties of it. 

20 Blessed are those priests, who hav- 
ing finished their course before these 
times, have obtained a fruitful and perfect 
dissolution : for they have no fear.- lest 
any one should turn them out of the 
place which is now appointed for them. 

21 But we see how you have put out 
some, who lived reputably among you, 
from the ministry, which by their inno- 
cence they had adorned. 

CHAP. XIX. 

He exhorts them to peace from examples out of the 
Holy Scriptures, 20 particularly from St. Paul's 
exhortation to them. 

YE are contentious, brethren, and 
zealous for things that pertain not 
unto salvation. 

2 Look into the Holy Scriptures, which 
are the true 'words of the Holy Ghost. 
Ye know that there is nothing unjust or 
counterfeit written in them. 

3 There you shall not find that righte- 
ous men were ever cast off' by such as 
were good themselves. 

4 z They were persecuted, but ii was 
by the wicked and unjust. 

5 They were cast into prison ; but they 
were cast in by those that were unholy. 

6 They were stoned ; but it was by 
transgressors. 

7 They were killed ; but by accursed 
men, and such as had taken up an unjust 
envy against them. 

8 a And all these things they underwent 
gloriously. 

9 For what shall we say, brethren ? 
Was Daniel cast into the d den of lions, 
by men fearing God ? Ananias, Azarias, 
and Misael, were they c cast into the d fiery 
furnace by men, e professing the excellent 
and glorious worship of the Most High ? 
God forbid. 

10 What kind of persons then were 
they that did these things ? They were 
men abominable, full of all wickedness ; 
who were incensed to so great a degree, 
as to bring those into sufferings, who 
with a holy and unblamable purpose of 
mind worshipped God : not knowing that 
the Most High is the protector and de- 



* Bishoprick. y Offer the gifts. z Just men. 
a Suffering these things they underwent them glori 
ously. bDan. vi. 16. c Shut into, d Dan. iii. 20, 
Worshipping the worship. 

81 



Farther exhorts 



I. CORINTHIANS. 



to peace and union 



fender of all such as with a pure con- 
science serve his f holy name : to whom 
be glory for ever and ever. Amen. 

1 1 But they who with a full persua- 
sion have endured these things, eare 
made partakers of glory and honour : 
and h are exalted and lifted up by God in 
their memorial throughout all ages, Amen. 

12 IT Wherefore it will behove us also, 
brethren, J 'to follow such examples as 
these ; for it is written, Hold fast to such 
as are holy ; for they shall be sanctified. 

13 And" again in another place he 
saith, kWith the pure thou shalt be pure, 
('and with the elect thou shalt be elect,) 
but with the perverse man thou shalt be 
m perverse. 

14 Let us therefore join ourselves to 
the innocent and righteous ; for such are 
the elect of God. 

1 5 Wherefore are there strifes, and an- 
ger, and divisions, and schisms, and wars, 
among us ? 

16 n Have we not all one God, and one 
Christ ? °Is not one spirit of grace poured 
out upon us all ? Have we not one call- 
ing in Christ ? 

17 Why then do we rent and tear in 
pieces the members of Christ ; and raise 
seditions against our own body ? And 
are come to such a height of madness, as 
to forget that Pwe were members one of 
another ? 

18 Remember the words of our Lord 
Jesus, ihow he said, Wo to that man, 
(by whom offences come.) r It were bet- 
ter for him that he had never been born, 
than he should have offended one of my 
elect. It were better for him, that a mill- 
stone should be tied about his neck, and 
he should be cast into the sea, than that 
he should offend one of my little ones. 

19 Your schism has perverted many, 
has discouraged many : it has caused dif- 
fidence in many, and grief in us all. And 
yet your sedition continues still. 

20 5T Take the Epistle of the blessed 
Paul the Apostle into your hands ; 8 What 
was it that he wrote to you at his first 
preaching the Gospel among you ? 

21 Verily he did l by the spirit admon- 
ish you concerning himself, and Cephas, 



f Full of virtue, s Have inherited, h Have been 
exalted. ' To cleave to. t Psalm xviii. 26. 1 Omit- 
ted by Junius;, and now restored from the MS. 
m Turn aside. " Eph. iv. 4, »1 Cor. xii. p Rom. 
xii. 5. q For he said. r Luke. xvii. 2. s See Mr. 
DodwelPs add. ud Pearson. Chronol. p. 223. Dr. 
Grabe's Spicileg. torn. i. p. 256. t Spiritually send 
to you. 1 Cor. i. 12. 

82 



and Apollos, because that even then ye 
had begun to fall into "parties and factions 
among yourselves. 

22 Nevertheless your partiality then 
led you into a much less sin : forasmuch 
as ye v placed your affections upon Apos- 
tles, men of w eminent reputation in the 
church; and upon another, who was 
greatly tried and approved of by them. 

23 But consider, we pray you, who 
are they that have now led you astray ; 
and lessened the deputation of that bro- 
therly love that was y so eminent among 
you? 

24 It is a shame, my beloved, yea, a 
very great shame, and unworthy of your 
Christian profession, to hear that the 
most firm and a ancient church of the Co- 
rinthians should, by one or two persons, 
be led into a sedition against its priests. 

25 And this report is come not only 
to us, but to those also that differ from us. 

26 Insomuch that the name of the 
Lord is blasphemed through your folly ; 
and even ye yourselves brought into dan- 
ger by it. 

27 IT Let us therefore with all haste 
b put an end to this sedition ; and let us 
fall down before the Lord, and beseech 
him with tears that he would * be favora- 
bly reconciled to us, and restore us again 
to a d seemly and holy course of brother- 
ly love. 

28 For this is the gate of righteous- 
nsss, opening unto life : As it is written, 
e Open unto me the gates of righteous- 
ness ; I will go in unto them and will 
praise the Lord. This is the gate of the 
Lord, the righteous shall enter into it. . 

29 Although therefore many gates are 
opened, yet this gate of righteousness is 
that gate in Christ, at which blessed are 
all they that enter in, and direct their way 
in holiness and righteousness, doing all 
things without disorder. 

30 Let a man be faithful, let him be 
powerful in the utterance of knowledge ; 
let him be wise in making an exact judg- 
ment of words ; let him be pure in all his 
actions. 

31 But still by how much the more he 
seems to be f above others, by reason of 
these things, by so much the more will it 
behove him to be humble-minded ; and to 



u Inclinations (for one above another), v Inclined. 
w Witnessed of. x Gravity, y So much spoken of. 
z Institution. a See Mr. Dodwell, I. c. p. 222. 
b Take away, c Becoming favorable be. d Grave, 
venerable, e Psalm cxviii. 19, 20. f Greater. 



Value and effects 



L CORINTHIANS. 



seek what is profitable to all men, and not 
his own advantage. 

CHAP. XX. 

1 The value which God puts upon love aDd unity : 
the effects of a true charity ; 8 which is the gift of 
God, and must be obtained by prayer. 

HE that has the love that is in Christ, 
let him keep the commandments of 
Christ. 

2 For who is able to express the e ob- 
ligation of the love of God ? What man 
is sufficient to declare, as is fitting, the 
excellency of its beauty ? 

3 The height to which charity leads, 
is inexpressible. 

4 Charity h unites us to God : > charity 
covers the multitude of sins: k charity 
endures all things, is long- suffering in all 
things. 

5 There is nothing bass and sordid in 
charity : charity lifts not itself up above 
others ; admits of no divisions ; is not se- 
ditious ; but does all things in peace and 
concord. 

6 By charity were all the elect of God 
made perfect : Without it nothing is pleas- 
ing and acceptable in the sight of God. 

7 Through charity did the Lord 1 join 
us unto himself ; whilst for the love that 
he bore towards us, our Lord Jesus Christ 
gave his own blood for us, by the will of 
God ; his flesh for our flesh ; his soul for 
our souls. 

8 IT Ye see, beloved, how great and 
wonderful a thing a charity is ; and how 
that no expressions are sufficient to de- 
clare its perfection. 

9 But who is fit to be found in it ? 
Even such only as God shall vouchsafe 
to make so. 

10 Let us therefore pray to him, and 
beseech him, that we may be worthy of 
it ; that so we may live in charity ; being 
unblamable, without human propensities, 
without respect of persons. 

11 All the ages of the world, from 
Adam even unto this day, are passed 
away : but they who have been made per- 
fect in love, have by the grace of God ob- 
tained a place among the righteous ; and 
shall be made manifest in the m judgment 
of the kingdom of Christ. 

12 For it is written, D Enter into thy 
chambers for a little space, till my anger 
and indignation shall pass away : And I 



S Bond, h Glues, i 1 Peter, iv. 8. kl Cor. xiii. 
7, &c. 1 Take us up. m Animadversion, or visita- 
tion, n Isaiah, xxvi. 20. 



of unity and charity. 



will remember the good day, and will 
raise you up out of your graves. 

13 Happy °then shall we be, beloved, 
if we shall have fulfilled the command- 
ments of God, in the unity of love ; that 
so, through love, our sins may be for- 
given us. 

14 For so it is written, p Bles&ed are 
they whose iniquities are forgiven, and 
whose sins are covered. Blessed is the 
man to whom the Lord imputeth no sin, 
and in whose mouth there is no guile. 

15 Now this blessing is f drilled in 
those who are chosen by God, through 
Jesus Christ our Lord, to whom be glory 
for ever and ever, Amen. 

CHAP. XXL 

1 He exhorts such as have been concerned in these 
divisions to repent, and return to their unity, con- 
fessing their sin to God ; 7 which he enforces from 
the example of Moses, 10 and of many among the 
heathen, 23 and of Judith and Esther among the 
Jews. 

LET us therefore, as many as have 
transgressed by any of the 9 sugges- 
tions of the adveisary, beg God's "forgive- 
ness. 

2 And as for those who have been the 
r heads of the sedition and faction among 
you, s let them look to the common end 
of our hope. 

3 For as many as are fc endued with 
fear and charity, would rather they them- 
selves should fall into trials than their 
neighbours : and choose to be themselves 
condemned, rather than that the good and 
just charity delivered to us, should suffer. 

4 For it is seemly for a man to confess 
wherein he has transgressed, 

5 u And not to harden his heart, as the 
hearts of those were hardened, who raised 
up sedition against Moses the servant of 
God: whose punishment was manifest 
v unto all men ; for they went down alive 
into the grave; death swallowed them up. 

6 w Pharaoh and his host, and all the 
rulers of Egypt, their chariots also and 
their horsemen, were for no other cause 
drowned in the bottom of the Red Sea, 
and perished ; but because they hardened 
their foolish hearts, after so many signs 
done in the land of Egypt, by Moses the 
servant of God. 

7 1T Beloved, God is not indigent of 
anything ; nor does he demand anything 



o Are we. p Psalm vxxii. q See Junius in loc. 
r Chief leaders, s They ought, t Walk according 
to ; live in. u Rather than, v Numb. xvi. w Exod 
iv. 

83 



Exhorts to unity from 



I. CORINTHIANS. 



the example of Moses. 



of us, but that we should confess our sins 
unto him. 

8 For so says the * Holy David, y I 
will confess unto the Lord, and it shall 
please him better than a young bullock 
that hath horns and hoofs. Let the poor 
see it and be glad. 

9 And again he saith, ? Offer unto God 
the sacrifice of praise, and pay thy vows 
unto the Most High. And call upon me 
in the day of trouble, and I will deliver 
thee, and thou shalt glorify me. a The 
sacrifice of God is a broken spirit. 

10 IT Ye know, beloved, ye know full 
well the Holy Scriptures ; and have thor- 
oughly searched into the oracles of God : 
call them therefore to your remembrance. 

1 1 For when Moses went up into the 
mount, and tarried there forty days and 
forty nights in fasting and humiliation, 
God said unto him, b Arise, Moses, get 
thee down quickly from hence, for thy 
people whom thou b rough test out of the 
land of Egypt, have committed .wicked- 
ness: they have soon transgressed the 
way that I commanded them, and have 
made to themselves graven images. 

r 12 And the Lord said unto him, I have 
spoken unto thee c several times, say- 
ing, I have seen this people, and behold 
it is a stiff-necked people : Let me there- 
fore destroy them, and put out their name 
from under heaven. And I will make 
unto thee a great and a wonderful na- 
tion, that shall be much d larger than this. 

13 But Moses said, Not so, Lord: For- 
give now this people their sin ; or if thou 
wilt not, blot me also out of the book of 
the living. admirable charity ! O in- 
superable perfection ! The servant speaks 
freely to his Lord : He beseeches him 
either to forgive the people, or to e destroy 
him together with them. 

14 IT Who is there among you that is 
generous ? Who that is compassionate ? 
Who that has any charity ? Let him say, 
if this sedition, this contention, and these 
schisms, be upon my account, I am ready 
to depart ; to go away whithersoever ye 
please; and do whatsoever f ye shall com- 
mand me : Only let the flock of Christ be 
in peace, with the elders that are set 
over it. 

15 He that shall do this, shall get to 
himself a very great honour in the Lord ; 

x Chosen, y Psalm lxix. 31. z Psalm 1. 14. 
a Psalm li. 17. b Exod. xxxiii. Deut. ix. c Once 
and twice, d More, greater, e Blot out. f The 
multitude. 

84 



and e there is no place but what will be 
ready to receive him : b For the earth is 
the Lords, and the fulness thereof. 

16 These things they who have their 
conversation towards God not to be re- 
pented of, both have done, and will al- 
ways be ready to do. 

17 IT 1 Nay, and even the Gentiles 
themselves have given us examples of 
this kind. 

18 For we read, How many kings and 
princes, in times of pestilence, being 
warned by their oracles, have given up 
themselves unto death ; that by their own 
blood, they might deliver their k country 
from destruction. 

19 i Others have forsaken their cities, 
that so they might put an end to the se- 
ditions of them. 

20 We know how many among our- 
selves, have given up themselves unto 
bonds, that thereby they might free others 
from them. 

21 Others have sold themselves into 
bondage,that they might feed m their breth- 
ren with the price of themselves. 

22 And even many women, being 
strengthened by the grace of God, have 
done many glorious and manly things on 
such occasions. 

23 The blessed n Judith, when her city 
was besieged, desired the elders, that they 
would suffer her to go into the camp of 
° their enemies : and she went out expos- 
ing herself to danger, for the love she 
bore to her country and her people that 
were besieged; and the Lord delivered 
Holofernes into the hands of a woman. 

24 Nor did p Esther, being perfect in 
faith, expose herself to any less hazard, 
for the delivery of the twelve tribes of 
Israel, in danger of being destroyed. For 
by fasting and humbling herself, she en- 
treated the Great Maker of all things, the 
God of q spirits ; so that beholding the hu- 
mility of her soul, he delivered the peo- 
ple, for whose sake she was in peril. 

CHAP. XXII. 

The benefit of mutual advice and correction. He 
entreats them to follow that which is here siven 
to them. b 

WHEREFORE let us also pray for 
such as are fallen into »sin, That 



g Every place, h Psalm xxiv. i But that we may 
bring the examples of heathens, k Citizens. 1 Many. 
m Others, n Judith, viii. ix. x. xiii. o The stran- 
gers, p Esther, vii. viii. q Ages ; who. r Viz. that 
of schism. 



The benefits 



I. CORINTHIANS. 



of mutual advice. 



being endued with humility and modera- 
tion, they may submit not unto us, but to 
the will of God. 

2 For by this means "they shall ob- 
tain a fruitful and perfect remembrance, 
with mercy, both in our prayers to God, 
and in our mention of them before his 
t saints. 

3 Let us receive correction, at which 
no man ought to repine. 

4 Beloved, the reproof and the correc- 
tion which we exercise towards one an- 
other, is good and exceedingly profitable : 
for it unites us the more closely to the 
will of God. 

5 For so says the Holy Scripture, u The 
Lord corrected me, but he did not deliver 
me over unto death. r For whom the 
Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth 
every son whom he receiveth. 

6 w The righteous, saith he, shall in- 
struct me in mercy and reprove me. ; but 
let not oil of sinners make fat my head. 

7 And again he saith, x Happy is the 
man whom God correcteth ; therefore des- 
pise not thou the chastening of the Al- 
mighty. 

8 For he maketh sore and bindeth up ; 
he woundeth and his hands make whole. 

9 He shall deliver thee in six troubles ; 
yea, in seven there shall no evil touch 
thee. In famine he shall redeem thee 
from death ; and in war from the power 
of the sword. 

10 Thou shalt be hid from the scourge 
of the tongue ; neither shalt thou be afraid 
of destruction when it cometh. 

1 1 Thou shalt laugh at the wicked and 
sinners ; neither shalt thou be afraid of 
the beasts of the earth. The wild beasts 
shall be at peace w r ith thee. 

12 Then shalt thou know that thy 
house shall be in peace ; and the habita- 
tion of thy tabernacle shall not err. Thou 
shalt know also ;at thy seed shall be 
great, and thy oft ; ':ng as the grass of the 
earth. 

13 Thou shalt come to thy grave as 
the ripe corn, that is taken in due time ; 
like as a shock of corn cometh in, in its 
season. 

14 Ye see, beloved, how there shall be 
a defence to those that are corrected of 
the Lord. For being a good instructor, 
he is willing to admonish us by his holy 
discipline. 



» There shall be to them, t i. e. our Fellow Chris- 
tians, u Psalm xcviii. v Prov. id. 12. w Psalm 
cxli. 5. x Job, v. 17, &c. 



15 Do ye therefore, who laid the first 
foundation of this sedition, submit your- 
selves unto your * priests; and be instruct- 
ed unto repentance, bending the knees of 
your hearts. 

16 Learn to be subject, laying aside 
all proud and arrogant boasting of your 
tongues. 

17 For it is better for you to be found 
little, and approved, in the z sheepfold of 
Christ, than to seem to yourselves bet- 
ter than others, and to be cast out of his 
a fold. 

18 For thus speaks the excellent and 
all-virtuous wisdom, b Behold I will pour 
out the word of my spirit upon you, 1 will 
make known my speech unto you. 

19 Because I called and ye would not 
hear, I stretched out my words and ye 
regarded not. 

20 But ye have set at nought all my 
counsel, and would none of my reproof, 
I will also laugh at your calamity, and 
mock when your fear cometh. 

21 When your fear cometh as desola- 
tion, and your destruction as a whirlwind, 
when distress and anguish cometh upon 
you. 

22 Then shall ye call upon me, but 1 
will not hear you : the wicked shall seek 
me, but they shall not find me. For that 
they hated knowledge, and did not seek 
the fear of the Lord. 

23 They w T ould not hearken unto my 
counsel : they despised all my reproof. 
Therefore shall they eat of the fruit of 
their own ways ; and be filled with their 
own wickedness. 



CHAP. XXIII. 

1 Recommends them to God. 3 Desires speedily to 
hear that this Epistle has had a good effect upon 
them. 4 Conclusion. 

NOW God, the inspector of all things, 
the c Father of Spirits, and the Lord 
of all flesh, who hath chosen our Lord 
Jesus Christ, and us by him, to be his 
peculiar people ; 

2 Grant to every soul of man that call- 
eth upon his glorious and holy name, 
faith, fear, peace, long-suffering, patience, 
temperance, holiness, and sobriety, unto 
all well-pleasing d in his sight; through 
pur High Priest and Protector Jesus Christ, 
by whom be glory and majesty, and pow- 

y Elders. * See Junius in toe. a See Coteler, in 
loc. b Prov, i. 23, &c. c Master. <* To his name. 

e5 



We ought to value 



II. CORINTHIANS. 



our salvation. 



er, and honour, unto him now and for 
ever more, Amen. 

3 11 The messengers whom we have 
sent unto you, Claudius Ephebus, and 
Valerius Bito, with Fortunatus, send back 
to us again with all speed in peace and 
with joy, that they may the sooner ac- 
quaint us with your peace and concord, 
so much prayed for and desired by us : 



and that we may rejoice in your good 
order. 

4 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ 
be with you, and with all that are any 
where called by God through him : To 
whom be honour and glory, and might 
and majesty, and eternal dominion, by 
e Jesus Christ, from everlasting to ever- 
lasting, Amen. 



The SECOND EPISTLE of CLEMENT to the CORIN- 
THIANS 



[Archbishop Wake is the translator of this Second Epistle, which he says was not of so great a reputation 
among the primitive Fathers as the first. He defends it, notwithstanding ; and in answer to those who 
objected to Clement's First Epistle, that it did not duly honour the Trinity ; the Archbishop refers to 
this as containing proof of the writer's fulness of belief on that point.] 



CHAP. I. 

That we ought to value our salvation ; and to show 
that we do, by a sincere obedience. 

BRETHREN, we ought so to think of 
Jesus Christ as of God ; as of the 
judge of the living and the dead; nor 
should we think a any less of our salva- 
tion. 

2 For if we think a meanly of him, we 
shall hope only to receive * some small 
things from him. 

3 And if we b do so, we shall sin ; not 
c considering from whence we have been 
called, and by whom, and to what place; 
and how much Jesus Christ vouchsafed 
to suffer for our sakes. 

4 What recompense then shall we 
render unto him ? Or what fruit that may 
be worthy of what he has given to us ? 

5 For indeed d how great are those ad- 
vantages which we owe to him in rela- 
tion to our holiness ? He has illuminated 
us ; as a father, he has called us his child- 
ren ; he has saved us who were lost and 
undone. 

6 What praise shall we give to him ? 
Or what reward that may be answerable 
to those things which we have received. 

7 We were defective in our under- 
standings, worshipping stones, and wood, 
gold, and silver, and brass, the works of 

e Him. a Little things, or meanly, b Hear as of 
little things, c Knowing, d How great holy things 
do we owe unto him. 

86 



men's hands : and our whole life was no- 
thing else but death. 

8 Wherefore being encompassed with 
darkness, and having such a mist before 
our eyes, we have looked up, and through 
his will have laid aside the cloud where- 
with we were surrounded. 

9 For he had compassion upon us, and 
being moved in his bowels towards us, he 
saved us ; having beheld in us much er- 
ror, and destruction ; and seen that we had 
no hope of salvation, but only through 
him. 

10 For he called us, who were not; 
and was pleased from nothing to give us 
a being". 

CHAP. II. 

1 That God had before prophesied by Isaiah, that 
the Gentiles shouH be saved. 8 That this ought 
to engage such especially to live well; without 
which they will still miscarry. 

REJOICE thou barren, that bearest 
not ; break forth and cry thou that 
travailest not; for she that is desolate 
hath many more children than she that 
hath an husband. e 

2 In that he said, rejoice thou barren 
that bearest not, he spake of us, for our 
church was barren before that children 
were given unto it. 

3 And again ; when he said, cry thou 
that travailest not; he implied thus much. 

\ — — — » 

* Isaiah, liv. 1. 



The Gentiles 



II. CORINTHIANS. 



to be saved 



That after the manner of woman in tra- 
vail, we should not cease to put up our 
prayers unto God f abundantly. 

4 And for what follows, because she 
that is desolate hath more children than 
she that hath a husband ; it was therefore 
added, because our people, which seemed 
to have been forsaken by God, now be- 
lieving in him, are become more than they 
who seemed to have God. 

5 And another Scripture saith, s I came 
not to call the righteous but sinners (to 
repentance.) The meaning of which is 
this ; that those who were lost, must be 
saved. 

6 For that is, indeed, truly great and 
wonderful, not to confirm those things 
that are yet standing, but those which are 
falling. 

7 Even so did it seem good to Christ 
to save what was lost ; and when he 
came into the world, he saved many, and 
called us who were already lost. 

8 Seeing then he has showed so great 
mercy towards us ; and chiefly for that, 
we who are now alive do no longer sa- 
crifice to dead gods, nor pay any worship 
to them, but have by him been brought to 
the knowledge of the Father of Truth ; 

9 h Whereby shall we show that we 
do indeed know him, but by not denying 
him by whom we have come to the know- 
ledge of him ? 

10 For even he himself saith, i Who- 
soever shall confess me before men, him 
will I confess before my Father. This 
therefore is our reward, if we shall con- 
fess him by whom we have been saved. 

1 1 But, wherein must we confess him ? 
Namely, in doing those things which he 
saith, and not disobeying his command- 
ments : by worshipping him not with our 
lips only, but with all our heart, and with 
all our mind. For he saith in Isaiah : 
k This people honoureth me with their 
lips, but their heart is far from me. 

12 Let us then not only call him Lord, 
for that will not save us. For he saith, 
] Not every one that saith unto me Lord, 
Lord, shall be saved, but he that doth 
righteousness. 

13 Wherefore, brethren, let us confess 
him by our works; by loving one an- 
other; in not committing adultery, not 
speaking evil against each other, not en- 

f An\oJs, See St. James, i. 5. Compare Rom. 
xii. 8. 2 Cor. vii. 2. ix. 11, 13. e Matt. ix. 13. 
hWhat is the knowledge which is towards him. 
i Matt, x 32. * Isaiah, xxix. 13. 1 Matt. vii. 21. 



vying one another; but by being temper- 
ate, merciful, good. 

14 Let us also have a mutual sense of 
one another's sufferings ; and not be co- 
vetous of money ; but let us, by our good 
works, confess God, and not by those 
that are otherwise. 

15 Also let us not fear men, but rather 
God. m Wherefore, if we should do such 
wicked things, the Lord hath said, Though 
ye should be joined unto me, even in my 
very bosom, and not keep my command- 
ments, I would cast you off, and say un- 
to you, n Depart from me ; I know not 
whence you are, ye workers of iniquity 

CHAP. III. 

I That whilst we secure the other world, we need 
not fear what can befal us in this. 5 That if we 
follow the interests of this present world, we can- 
not escape the punishment of the other. 10 Which 
ought to bring us to repentance and holiness ; 14 
and that presently ; because in this world is the 
only time for repentance. 

WHEREFORE brethren , leaving wil 1 - 
ingly for conscience sake our so- 
journing in this world, let us do the will 
of him who has called us, and not fear to 
depart out of this world. 

2 For the Lord saith, ° Ye shall be as 
sheep in the midst of wolves. Peter an- 
swered and said, What if the wolves 
shall tear in pieces the sheep ? Jesus 
said unto Peter, Let not the sheep fear 
the wolves after death : p And ye also fear 
not those that kill you, and after that 
have no more that they can do unto you ; 
but fear him who after you are dead, has 
power to cast both soul and body into 
hell -fire. 

3 For consider, brethren, that the so- 
journing of this flesh in the present world, 
is but little, and of a short continuance ; 
but the promise of Christ is great and 
wonderful, even the rest of the kingdom 
that is to come, and of eternal life. 

4 What then must we do that we may 
attain unto it ? We must * order our con- 
versation holily and righteously, and look 
upon all the things of this world as none 
of ours, and not desire them. For, if we 
desire to possess them, we fall from the 
way of righteousness. 

5 For thus saith the Lord, r No servant 
can serve two masters. If, therefore, we 
shall desire to serve God and Mammon, it 
will be without profit to us g For what 

m Wherefore we doing these things, n Matt vii. 
23. Luke, xiii. 27. o Matt. x. 16. P Luke, xii. 4 
5. q MS. Alexander, bcioig x, SiKaius &va?pi- 
<ps<rddi. r Luke, xvi. 13. » Matt. xvi. 26 

87 



Exhorts to 



II. CORINTHIANS. 



repentance. 



will it profit if one gain the whole world 
and lose his own soul ? 

6 Now this world and that to come are 
two enemies. This speaketh of adultery 
and corruption, of covetousness and de- 
ceit ; but that renounceth these things. 

7 We cannot, therefore, be the friends 
of both ; but we must resolve by forsak- 
ing the one, to enjoy the other. And we 
think it is better to hate the present 
things, as little, short-lived, and corrupti- 
ble, and to love those which are to come, 
which are truly good and incorruptible. 

8 For, if we do the will of Christ, we 
shall find rest : but if not, nothing shall 
deliver us from eternal punishment if we 
shall disobey his commands. For even thus 
saith the Scripture in the prophet Eze- 
kiel, 'If Noah, Job and Daniel should 
rise up, they shall not deliver their chil- 
dren in captivity. 

9 Wherefore, if such righteous men 
are not able by their righteousness to de- 
liver their children ; how can w T e hope to 
enter into the kingdom of God, except we 
keep our baptism holy and undenled ? 
Or who shall be our advocate, unless we 
shall be found to have done what is holy 
and just ? 

10 Let us, therefore, my brethren, con- 
tend with all earnestness, knowing that 
our combat is at hand ; and that many go 
long voyages to encounter for a corrupti- 
ble reward. 

11 And yet all are not crowned, but 
they only that labor much, and strive 
gloriously. Let us, therefore, so con- 
tend, that we may all be crowned. Let 
us run in the straight road, the race that 
is incorruptible : and let us in great num- 
bers pass unto it, and strive that we may 
receive the crown. But and if we cannot 
all be crowned, let us come as near to it 
as we are able. 

12 Moreover, we must consider that he 
who contends in a corruptible combat, if 
he be found doing anything that is not 
fair, is taken away and scourged, and cast 
out of the lists. What think ye then that 
he shall suffer, who does anything that is 
not fitting in the combat of immortality ? 

13 Thus speaks the prophet concern- 
ing those who keep not their seal ; u Their 
worm shall not die, and their fire shall 
not be quenched ; and they shall be for a 
spectacle unto all flesh. 

14 Let us therefore repent, whilst we 



t Ezek. xiv. 14, 20. 

88 



u Isaiah, lxvi. 24. 



are yet upon the earth ; for we are as clay 
in the hand of the artificer. For as the 
potter, if he make a vessel and it be turn- 
ed amiss in his hands, or broken, again 
forms it anew ; but if he have gone so far 
as to throw it into the furnace of fire, he 
can no more bring any remedy to it, 

15 So we, whilst we are in this world 
v should repent w T ith our whole heart for 
whatsoever evil we have done in the 
flesh ; while we have yet the time of re- 
pentance, that we may be saved by the 
Lord. 

16 For after we shall have departed 
out of this world, we shall no longer be 
able either to confess our sins, or repent 
w in the other. 

17 Wherefore, brethren, let us, doing 
the will of the Father, and keeping our 
flesh pure, and observing the command- 
ments of the Lord, lay hold on eternal 
life ; for the Lord saith in the Gospel, 
x If ye have not kept that which was little, 
who will give you that which is great ? 
For I say unto you, he that is faithful 
in that which is least, is faithful also in 
much. 

18 This, therefore, is what he saith; 
keep your bodies pure, and your seal with- 
out spot, that ye may receive eternal life. 

CHAP. IV. 

1 We shall rise, and be judged, in our bodies ; there- 
fore we must liveweli in them. 6 That we ought 
for our own interest, to live well ; though few seem 
to mind what is really for their advantage, 10 and 
not deceive ourselves ; seeing God will certainly 
judge us, and render to all of us according to our 
works. 

AND let not any one among you say, 
that this very flesh is not judged, 
neither raised up. Consider in what w T ere 
ye saved ; in what did ye look up, if 
not whilst ye were in this flesh ? 

2 We must, therefore, keep our flesh 
as the temple of God. For in like man- 
ner as ye were called in the flesh, ye shall 
also come to judgment in the flesh, y Our 
one Lord Jesus Christ, who has saved us, 
being first a spirit, was made flesh, and 
so called us : even so we also shall in 
this flesh receive the reward. 

3 Let us, therefore, love another, that 
we may attain unto the kingdom of God. 
Whilst we have time to be healed, let us 
deliver up ourselves to God our physi- 
cian, giving our rew T ard unto him. 



v Let us repent, w There. * Luke, xvi. 10, 12. 
y MS. Alex, plane sic exhibit : nj Xpirdy. 



Of the resurrection 



4 And what reward shall we give ? 
Repentance out of a pure heart. For he 
knows all things before hand, and search- 
es out our very hearts. 

5 Let us, therefore, give praise unto 
him, not only with our mouths, but with 
all our souls ; that he may receive us as 
children. z For so the Lord hath said ; 
* They are my brethren, who do the will 
of my Father. 

6 IT Wherefore, my brethren, let us do 
the will of the Father, who hath called 
us, that we may live. Let us pursue vir- 
tue and forsake wickedness, which lead- 
eth us into sins ; and let us flee all un- 
godliness, that evils overtake us not. 

7 For, if we shall do our diligence to 
live well, peace shall follow us. b And 
yet how hard is it to find a man that does 
this ? For almost all are led by human 
fears, choosing rather the present enjoy- 
ments, than the future promise. 

8 For they know not how great a tor- 
ment the present enjoyments bring with 
them ; nor what delights the future pro- 
mise. 

9 And if they themselves only did this, 
it might the more easily be endured ; but 
now they go on to infect innocent souls 
with their evil doctrines ; not knowing 
that both themselves, and those that hear 
them, shall receive a double condemna- 
tion. 

10 11 Let us, therefore, serve God with 
a pure heart, and we shall be righteous : 
but, if we shall not serve him, because 
we do not believe the promise of God, we 
shall be miserable. 

11 For thus saith the prophet ; c Mis- 
erable are the double-minded, who doubt 
in their heart, and say, these things have 
we heard, but we have seen none of them, 
though we have expected them from day 
to day. 

12 ye fools ! compare yourselves to 
a tree ; take the vine for an example. 
First it sheds it leaves, then it buds, then 
come the sour grapes, then the ripe fruit: 
even so my people has borne its disorders 
and afflictions, but shall hereafter receive 
good things. 



II. CORINTHIANS. 



and judgment. 



• zVox QeS non est in MS. a Matt. xii. 50. 
I b For this cause, we cannot find a man. Aliter Wen- 
del, in traduct. lat. q. v. c g e e I Clement, chap. x. 



13 Wherefore, my brethren, let us not 
doubt in our minds, but let us expect with 
hope, that we may receive our reward : 
for he is faithful, who has promised that 
he will render to every one a reward ac- 
cording to his works. 

14 U, therefore, we shall do what is 
just in the sight of God, we shall enter 
into his kingdom, and shall receive the 
promises; d Which neither eye has seen, 
nor ear heard, nor have entered into the 
heart of man. 

15 H Wherefore let us every hour ex- 
pect the kingdom of God in love and 
righteousness ; because we know not the 
day of God's appearing. 

CHAP. V. 

A Fragment 

Of the Lord's Kingdom. 

1 * * * e For the Lord himself, being 
asked by a certain person, When his king- 
dom should come ? answered, AVhen two 
shall be one, and that which is without' 
as that which is within ; and the male 
with the female, neither male nor female. 

2 Now, two are one, when we speak 
the truth to each other, and there is (with- 
out hypocrisy) one soul in two bodies : 

3 And that which is without as that 
which is within — He means this ; he calls 
the soul that which is within, and the 
body that which is without. As there- 
fore thy body appears, so let thy soul be 
seen by its good works. 

4 And the male icilh the female, neither 
male nor female — He means this ; he calls 
our anger the male, our concupisence the 
female. 

5 When, therefore, a man is come to 
such a pass, that he is subject neither to 
the one nor the other of these, (both of 
which, through the prevalence of custom, 
and an evil education, cloud and darken 
the reason,) 

6 But rather, having dispelled the mist 
arising from them, and being full of 
shame, shall by repentance have united 
both his soul and spirit in the obedience 
of reason; then, as Paul says, there is in 
us neither male nor female. 

d 1 Cor. ii. 9. e Clem. Rom. ex MS. Regio. t Ex^ 
Clem. Alexandrin. 

89 



Preface to 



BARNABAS. 



the Epistle, 



The GENERAL EPISTLE of BARNABAS. 



[Barnabas was a companion and fellow-preacher with Paul. This epistle lays a greater claim to canonical 
authority than most others. It has been cited by Clemens Alexandrinus, Origen, Eusebius, and Jerome, 
and many ancient Fathers. Cotelerius affirms that Origen and Jerome esteemed it genuine and canoni- 
cal ; but Cotelerius himself did not believe it to be either the one or the other ; on the contrary, he 
supposes it was written for the benefit of the Ebionites, (the christianized Jews,) who were tenacious 
of rites and ceremonies. Bishop Fell feared to own expressly what he seemed to be persuaded of, that 
it ought to be treated with the same respect as several of the books of the present canon. Dr. Ber- 
nard, Savilian professor at Oxford, not only believed it to be genuine, but that it was read throughout, 
in the churches at Alexandria, as the canonical scriptures were. Dodwell supposed it to have been 
published before the Epist e of Jude, and the writings of both the Johns. Vossius, Dapuis, Dr. Cave, 
Dr. Mill, Dr. S. Clarke, Whiston, and Archbishop Wake, also esteemed it genuine : Menardus, Arch- 
bishop Laud, Spanheim, and others, deemed it apocryphal.] 



CHAP. I. 

Prelace to the Epistle. 

ALL happiness to you, my sons and 
daughters, in the name of our Lord 
Jesus Christ, who loved us, in peace. 

2 Having perceived abundance of 
knowledge of the great and a excellent 
b laws of God to be in you, I exceeding- 
ly rejoice in your blessed and admirable 
c souls, because ye have so worthily re- 
ceived the grace which was d grafted in 
you. 

3 For which cause I am full of joy, 
hoping the rather to be e saved; inas- 
much as I truly see a spirit infused into 
you, from the f pure fountain of God : 

4 Having this persuasion, and being 
fully convinced thereof, because that 
since I have begun to speak unto you, I 
have had a more than ordinary good suc- 
cess in the way of the slaw of the Lord, 
which is in Christ. 

5 For which cause, h brethren, I also 
think verily that I love you above my 
own soul : because that therein dwelleth 
the greatness of faith and charity, as also 
the hope of that life which is to come. 

6 Wherefore considering this, that if 
I shall take care to communicate to you 
a part of what I have received, it shall 
turn to my reward, i that I have served 
such good souls; I gave diligence to 
write in a few words unto you, that to- 
gether with your faith, your k knowledge 
also may be perfect. 



a Honestarum. b iEquitatum, AiKaiod/*ora>i/, 
righteous judgments, c Spiritibus, Disposition, d Nat- 
ural : Gr. ln^VTov. See chap. xix. tptyvTOv Sopeav 
diSaxnt ' which the Lat. Int. renders, Naturale do- 
num Doctrinal. Comp. Jam. i. 21. e Liberari : Gr. 
ut videtur aioOfjvai . f Flonesto, trom the Gr. Ka\fjg. 
gComp. Psalm cxix. 33, viz : either by preaching or 
fulfilling the same. Wid. Annot. Vos. in loc. i Tal- 
ibus spiritibus servienti. Usser. *Tvai<ris. 

90 



7 There are therefore three l things 
ordained by the Lord : the hope of life ; 
m the beginning, and the completion of it. 

8 For the Lord hath both declared 
unto us, by the prophets, those things 
that n are past, and ° opened to us the be- 
ginnings of those that are to come. 

9 Wherefore, it will behove us, p as 
he has spoken, to come imore holily, 
and nearer to his altar. 

10 I therefore, not as a teacher, but 
as one r of you, will endeavour to lay 
before you a few things by which you 
may, s on many accounts, become the 
more joyful. 

CHAP. II. 

That God has abolished the legal sacrifices, to intro- 
duce the spiritual righteousness of the Gospel. 

SEEING then the days are exceeding 
evil, and the adversary has got the 
power of this present l world, we ought 
to give the more diligence to inquire into 
the u righteous judgments of the Lord. 

2 v Now the assistants of our faith are 
fear and patience : our fellow-combat- 
ants, long-suffering and continence. 

3 While these remain pure in what 
relates unto the Lord, wisdom, and un- 
derstanding, and science, and knowledge, 
rejoice together with them. 

4 For God has manifested to us, by 
all the prophets, that he has no occasion 
for our sacrifices, or burnt offerings, or 
oblations ; saying thus : w To what pur- 
pose is the multitude of your sacrifices 
unto me, saith the Lord. 



^Adyfjiara tcvpiv, Constitutions of the Lord 
m Viz : faith and charity. See before, n Namely, 
which we are to believe, o That is, which are to be 
hoped for, and end in love. p Given us to know, 
q Honestius et Altius : the most honestly and highly 
r Like yourselves. » In many things. tAge. "Equi- 
ties, v Comp. Grsec. Clem. Alex, w Isaiah, i. 11. 



Legal sacrifices 



BARNABAS. 



abolished. 



5 I am full of the burnt-offerings of 
rams, and the fat of x fed beasts ; and I 
delight not in the blood of bullocks, or 
of he-goats. 

6 y When ye come to appear before 
me, who hath required this at your 
hands? Ye shall no more tread my 
courts. 

7 Bring no more vain oblations ; in- 
cense is an abomination unto me : your 
new moons and sabbaths, the calling of 
assemblies, I cannot away with ; it is 
iniquity, even the solemn meetings: your 
new moons and appointed feasts my soul 
hateth. 

8 These things therefore hath God 
abolished, that the new law of our Lord 
Jesus Christ, which is without the yoke 
of any such necessity, might have the 
spiritual offering of men themselves. 

9 For so the Lord saith again to those 
heretofore : z Did I at all command your 
fathers when they came out of the land 
of Egypt concerning burnt-offerings or 
sacrifices ? 

10 But this I commanded them, say- 
ing, a Let none of you imagine evil in 

Jrour hearts against his neighbour, and 
ove no false oath. 

11 Forasmuch then as we are not 
without understanding, we ought to ap- 
prehend the design b of our merciful Fa- 
ther ; for he speaks to us, being willing 
that we, who have been in the same 
error about the sacrifices, should seek 
and find how to approach unto him. 

12 And therefore he thus bespeaks 
us : c The sacrifice of God (is a broken 
spirit), a broken and contrite heart God 
will not despise. 

13 Wherefore, brethren, we ought the 
more diligently to inquire after those 
things that belong to our salvation, that 
the adversary may not have any entrance 
into us, and deprive us of our spiritual 
life. 

14 Wherefore he again speak eth to 
them, concerning these things : d Ye shall 
not fast as ye do this day, to make your 
voice to be heard on high. 

1 5 Is it such a fast that I have chosen ? 
a day for a man to afflict his soul ? e Is 
it to bow down his head like a bulrush, 
and to spread sackcloth and ashes under 
him ? Wilt thou call this a fast, and an 
acceptable day to the Lord ? 

x Lambs, y Isaiah, i. 12, 13, 14. z Jer. vii. 22, 23. 
a Zach. vii. 17. *>Of the mercy of our Father, 
c Psalm li. 17. d Isaiah, lviii. 4. « Verse 5. 



16 But to us he saith on this wise : 
f Is not this the fast that I have chosen, 
to loose the bands of wickedness, to 
undo the heavy burdens, and to let the 
oppressed go free; and that ye break 
every yoke ? 

17 s Is it not to deal thy bread to the 
hungry, and that thou bring the poor that 
are cast out to thy house ? When thou 
seeest the naked, that thou cover him, 
and that thou hide not thyself from thine 
own flesh ? 

18 h Then shall thy light break forth 
as the morning, and thy health shall 
spring forth speedily; and thy righteous- 
ness shall go before thee, the glory of 
the Lord shall be thy re-reward. 

19 ' Then shalt thou call and the Lord 
shall answer; thou shalt cry and he shall 
say, Here I am. If thou put away from 
the midst of thee the yoke, the putting 
forth of the finger, and speaking vanity ; 
k and 'd thou draw out thy soul to the 
hungry, and satisfy the afflicted soul. 

20 In this therefore, brethren, God has 
manifested his l foreknowledge and mer- 
cy to us ; because the people which he 
has purchased to his beloved Son were 
to believe in m sincerity; and therefore 
he has shewn these things to all of us, 
that we should not run as proselytes to 
the n Jewish Law. 

CHAP. III. 

The prophecies of Daniel concerning the ten kings, 
and the coming of Christ. 

WHEREFORE it is necessary that 
searching diligently into those 
° things which are near to come to pass, 
we should write to you what may serve 
to keep you whole. 

2 To which end let us flee from every 
evil work, and hate the errors of the 
present time, that we may be p happy in 
that which is to come : 

3 Let us not give ourselves the liberty 
of disputing with the wicked and sinners, 
lest we should chance in time to become 
like unto them. 

4 For the consummation of * sin is 
come, as it is written, as the prophet 
Daniel says. And for this end the Lord 
hath shortened the times and the days, 
that his beloved might hasten his coming 
to his inheritance. 



f Verse 6. g Verse 7. h Verse 8. i Verse 9. 
k Verse 10. 1 Providence, m Simplicity, n Their, 
o Histantibus : read Istantibus. p Beloved. qTemp^ 
tation. Dan. ix. 

91 



Prophecies of Daniel 



BARNABAS. 



concerning Christ 



5 For so the prophet speaks : r There 
shall ten kings reign in the earth, and 
there shall rise last of all another little 
one, and he shall humble three kings. 

6 And again Daniel speaks in like 
manner concerning the kingdoms : 3 And 
I saw the fourth beast dreadful and ter- 
rible, and strong exceedingly; and it had 
ten horns. i I considered the horns, and 
behold there came up among them an- 
other little horn, before which there were 
three of the first horns plucked up by the 
roots. 

7 We ought therefore to understand 
this also ; and I beseech you, as one of 
your own brethren, loving you all be- 
yond my own life, that you look well to 
yourselves, and be not like to those who 
u add sin to sin, and say, that their cove- 
nant is ours also. Nay, but it is ours 
only; for they have for ever lost that 
which Moses received. 

8 For thus saith the Scripture : v And 
Moses continued fasting forty days and 
forty nights in the Mount ; and he re- 
ceived the covenant from the Lord, even 
the two tables of stone written by the 
hand of God. 

9 But having turned themselves to 
idols they lost it ; as the Lord also said 
to Moses : Moses, w go down quickly, 
for thy people, which thou hast brought 
forth out of the land of Egypt, have cor- 
rupted themselves, and turned aside from 
the way which I commanded them. 
x And Moses cast the two tables out of 
his hands ; and their covenant was bro- 
ken, that the love of Jesus might be 
sealed in your hearts, unto the hope of 
his faith. 

10 Wherefore let us give heed unto 
the last times ; for all the >' time past of 
our life, and our faith, will profit us no- 
thing, unless we continue to hate what 
is evil, and to withstand the future temp- 
tations. So the Son of God tells us, 
Let us resist all iniquity and hate it. 

1 1 Wherefore consider the works of 
the evil way. z Do not withdraw your- 
selves from others, as if you were already 
justified ; but coming altogether into one 
place, inquire what is agreeable to and 
profitable for the beloved of God. For 
the Scripture saith, a Wo unto them that 



rDan. vii. s Verse 7. t Verse 8. u Heap up sins, 
v Exod. xxxi. xxxiv. w Exod. xxxii. 7. Deut. ix. 
12. x Exod. xxxii. 19. yDays. r Heb. x. 25. 
a Vid. Gf. Clem. Alex. Isaiah, x. 21. 

92 



are wise in their own eyes, and prudent 
in their own sight. 

12 Let us become spiritual, a perfect 
temple to God. As much as in us lies, 
let us meditate upon the fear of God, and 
strive to the utmost of our power to keep 
his commandments, that we may rejoice 
in his righteous judgments. 

13 For God will judge the world with- 
out respect of persons ; and every one 
shall receive according to his works. 

14 If a man shall be good, his right- 
eousness shall go before him : if wicked, 
the reward of his wickedness shall fol- 
low him. 

15 Take heed therefore, lest sitting 
still now that we are called, we fall asleep 
in our sins, and the wicked one getting 
the dominion over us, stir us up, b and 
shut us out of the kingdom of the Lord. 

1 6 Consider this also : although you 
have seen so great signs and wonders 
done among the people of the Jews, yet 
this notwithstanding the Lord hath for- 
saken them. 

17 Beware therefore, lest it happen 
to us; as it is written, c There be many 
called, but few chosen. 

CHAP. VI. 

That Christ was to suffer, proved from the prophecies 
concerning him. 

OR this cause did our Lord vouch- 
safe to give up his body to destruc- 
tion, that through the forgiveness of our 
sins we might be sanctified ; that is, by 
the sprinkling of his blood. 

2 Now for what concerns the things 
that are written about him, some belong 
to the people of the Jews, and some to 
us. 

3 For thus saith the Scripture : d He 
was wounded for our transgressions, he 
was bruised for our iniquities, and by 
his blood we are healed. He was led as 
a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep 
before his shearers is dumb, so he opened 
not his mouth. 

4 Wherefore we ought the more to 
give thanks unto God, for that he hath 
both declared unto us what is past, e and 
not suffered us to be without understand- 
ing of those things that are to come. 

5 But to them he saith, f The nets are 
not unjustly spread for the birds. 

6 This he spake, because a man will 



b Matt. xxv. 7, 10. c Matt. xxii. 14. <* Isaiah, liii. 
5, 7. e Vid. Edit. Oxon. p. 21. f Prov. i, 17. 



F 



Prophecies concerning 



BARNABAS. 



Christ's sufferings. 



justly perish, if having the knowledge 
of the way of truth, he shall neverthe- 
less not refrain himself from the way of 
darkness. 

7 And for this cause the Lord was 
content to suffer for our souls, although 
he be the Lord of the whole earth ; to 
whom God said before the beginning of 
the world, s Let us make man after our 
own image and likeness. 

8 Now how he suffered for us, seeing 
it was by men that he underwent it, h I 
will shew you. 

9 The prophets having received from 
him the gift of prophecy, spake before 
concerning him ; 

10 But he, that he might abolish death, 
and make known the resurrection from 
the dead, was content, as it was neces- 
sary, to appear in the flesh, that he might 
make good the promise before given to 
our fathers, and preparing himself a new 
people, might demonstrate to them while 
he was upon earth, that after the resur- 
rection he would judge the world. 

11 And finally teaching the people of 
Israel, and doing many wonders and 
signs among them, he preached to them, 
and shewed the exceeding great love 
which he bare towards them. 

12 And when he chose his apostles, 
which were afterwards to publish his 
Gospel, he took men who had been very 
great sinners; that thereby he might 
plainly shew, ' That he came not to call 
the righteous but sinners to repentance. 

13 Then he clearly manifested himself 
to be the Son of God. For had he not 
come in the flesh, how should men have 
been able to look upon him, that they 
might be saved ? 

14 Seeing if they behold only the sun, 
which was the work of his hands, and 
shall hereafter cease to be, they are not 
able to endure steadfastly to look against 
the rays of it. 

15 Wherefore the Son of God came 
in the flesh for this cause, that he might 
fill up the measure of their iniquity, who 
nave persecuted the prophets unto death ; 
and for the same reason also he suf- 
fered. 

16 For God hath said, of the k stripes 
of his flesh, that they were from them. 
And, * I will smite the shepherd, and the 
sheep of his flock shall be scattered. 



g Gen. i. 26. h Learn, i Matt. ix. 13. 
from the Jews. 1 Zach. xii. 6, 7. 



k Namely, 



17 Thus he would suffer, because it 
behoved him to suffer upon the cross. 

18 For thus one saith, prophesying 
concerning him, m Spare my soul from 
the sword. And again, Pierce my flesh 
from thy fear. 

19 And again, The congregation of 
wicked doers rose up against me, "(They 
have pierced my hands and feet). 

20 And again he saith, I gave my 
back to the smiters, ° and my cheeks to 
be buffeted, and my face I set as an hard 
rock. 

CHAP. V. 

The subject continued. 

AND when he had fulfilled the com- 
mandment of God, what says he ? 
p Who will contend with me ? let him 
stand against me : or who is he that will 
implead me ? let him draw near to the 
servant of the Lord. Wo be to you ! 
q because ye shall all wax old as a gar- 
ment, the moth shall eat you up. 

2 And again the prophet adds, r He is 
put for a stone of stumbling. "Behold I 
lay in Zion for a foundation, a precious 
stone, a choice corner-stone, an honour- 
able stone. And what follows ? And he 
that hopeth in him shall live for ever. 

3 What then ? Is our hope built upon 
a stone ? God forbid. But because the 
Lord hath t hardened his flesh against 
sufferings, he saith, U I have put me as a 
firm rock. 

4 And again the prophet adds, y The 
stone which the builders refused is be- 
come the head of the corner. And again 
he saith, w This is the great and wonder- 
ful day which the Lora hath made. x I 
write these things the more plainly to 
you, that ye may understand ; >' for in- 
deed I could be content even to die for 
your sakes. 

5 But what saith the prophet again ? 
z The counsel of the wicked encompassed 
me about. a They came about me, as 

m According to the lxx. Psalm xxii.20. Psalm 
cxix. 120. Psalm xxii. 1G, 17. n These words were 
doubtless cited thus by Barnabas, because that with- 
out them, those foregoing do not prove the Crucifix- 
ion of Christ. But. through the repetition of the 
same proposition, this latter part was so early omit- 
ted, that it was not in the Latin interpreter's copy, 
o Isaiah, 1. G. P Isaiah, 1. 8, 9. q Septuag. Inte'r. 
r Isaiah, viii. 14. 8 Isaiah, xxxvii. 1G. t Gr. Put in 
strength, or strengthened. u Isaiah, 1. 7. v Psalm 
cxviii. 22. ^ Verse 24. Clem. Alex: Strom, v. 
x This is not in the Old Latin Version, y Vid. Edit. 
Oxon. p. 29. a irtpixpr^na rrjs dydnrjs ijihiv. z Psalm 
xxii. 16. a Psalm cxviii. 12. 

03 



The scape- goal 



BARNABAS, 



typical of Christ. 



bees about the hone^-comb, Aad, b Upon 
my vesture they casl lots. 

6 Forasmuch then as our Saviour was 
to appear in tlu- flesh, and suffer* his 
passion was hereby foretold. 

; For thus saith the prophet against 
Israel: 8 Wo b% to their soul, because 
they haye taken wicked counsel against 
themselves, saying, Let us il lay snares 
for the righteous, because lie is unprofit- 
able to us. 

8 Moses also in like manner speaketh 
to them: ''Heboid thus saith the Lord 
Cod, Enter ye into the good land of 
which the Lord hath bwoth to Abraham, 
and Isaac, and .laeob, that be would give 
it you, and DOSS£SS it; a land flowing 
wiib milk and honey. 

9 Now what the spiritual meaning oi 
this is, learn : f it is as if it had been 
said. Tut your trust in Jesus, who shall 

be manifested to you in the flesh. For 

man is the earth which sutlers; foras- 
much as out oi the r- substance oi the 
earth Adam was formed. 

10 What therefore does he mean when 
he says, Into a good land flowing with 
milk and hone\ ? Blessed be our Lord, 
who has given us wisdom, and a heart 
to understand bis secrets. For so says 
the prophet, h \Vho shall understand the 
hard sayings oi the Lord ? l Hut he that 
is wise, and intelligent, and that loves 
his Lord. 

1 1 Seeing therefore he has renewed us 
by the remission oi our sins, he has k put 
us into another frame, that we should 
have souls ' like those oi children, form- 
ing us again himself m by the spirit. 

10 For thus the Scripture saith con- 
cerning us," where it introduceth the Fa- 
ther speaking to the Son : ° Let us make 
man after our likeness and similitude ; 
and let them have dominion over the 
beasts of the earth, and over the fowls 
of the air, and over the tish oi the sea. 

13 And when the Lord saw the man 
which he had formed, that behold he was 
very good, he said, i 1 Increase, and mul- 
tiply, and replenish the earth. And this 
he spake to his Son, 

11 1 will now shew you how he made 
us i ia new creature, in the latter days: 

b r^iim wu. is. c Imiah, iii. 9, a mini. <-K\- 
od \\\ui. i. FVid. Coteler. Annot. Mfcrg. flotCtom, 

Alex. 6 Ilpoacory. h Osee, \iv. ult. i PrOY. i. 6. 
made us another term. I Yiil. F.dit. (Hon. p. 

SO, b. "' Vid, Vet. Lat, [nterp. a ,\s he saith to 
The Son. o Gen. i. S6. Comp. Coloss. ni. 10. rGen. 
16 q Cr. a second formation, 

94 



15 The Lord saith, -Behold I will 
make the last as the first. Wherefore 
the prophet thus spake: ■ Enter into the 
land flowing with milk and honey, and 
have dominion over it. 

16 Wherefore ye see how we are 
again formed anew ; as also he sneaks 
by another prophet : ' Behold, saith the 
Lord, 1 will take from them, that is, from 
those whom the Spirit of the Lord fore- 
saw, their hearts oi stone, and I will put 
into them hearts of flesh, 

17 Because he was about to be made 
manifest in the flesh, and to dwell in us. 

18 For, my brethren, the habitation 
oi our heart is a " holy temple unto the 
Lord. For the Lord saith again, v In 
what place shall I appear before the Lord 
my Cod, and be glorified ? 

L9 He answers, 1 will confess unto 
thee in the congregation in the midst of 
my Brethren; and will sing unto thee in 
the church oi the saints. 

20 Wherefore we are they whom he 
lias brought into that good land. 

21 w But what signifies the milk and 
honey ? Because as the child is nourished 
first with milk, and then with honey, so 
we being kept alive by the belief oi his 
promises, and his word, shall live and 
have dominion over the land. 

22 For he foretold above, saying, In- 
crease and multiply, and have dominion 
over the fishes. &c, 

23 But who is there that is now able 
to have this dominion over the wild 
beasts, or fishes, or fowls of the air? 
For you know that to rule is to have 
power, that a man should be set over 
what he rules. 

24 But forasmuch as this we have riot 
now, he tells us when we shall have it; 
namely, when we shall become perfect, 
that we may be made inheritors of the 
covenant oi the Lord. 

CHAE VI. 

The scapegoat an evident type of this. 

UNDERSTAND then, my beloved 
children, that the good God hath 
before manifested all things unto us, that 
we might know to whom we ought al- 
ways to give thanks and praise. 

2 If therefore the Son of God, w'ho is 



r Isaiah, xliii. IS, 19. Matt. xx\ 1G. » Comp Heh. 
in. I F.sek. \i. TO. >' Bo St. Pant. 1 Cor. ii. 10. 17. 
vi. 19. > Psalm xlii. & w Comp. Hier. in .ler. xxxii. 
3& et in Jer. xi. 5. Add. 1 Pet. ii ft, 



Christ typified 



BARNABAS. 



by the red heifer. 



the Lord of all, and shall come to judge 
both the quick and dead, hath suffered, 
that by his stripes we might live, let us 
believe that the Son of God could not 
have suffered but for us. But, being; 
crucified, they gave him vinegar and gall 
to drink. 

3 Hear therefore how the priests of 
the temple did foreshew this also : x the 
Lord by his command which was writ- 
ten, declared that whosoever did not fast 
the appointed fast he y should die the 
death : because he also was himself one 
day to offer up his 2 body for our sins ; 
that so the type of what was done in 
» Isaac might be fulfilled, who was offered 
upon the altar. 

4 What therefore is it that he says by 
the prophet ? b And let them eat of the 
goat which is offered in the day of the 
fast for all their sins. Hearken diligent- 
ly, (my brethren,) and all the priests, 
and they only, shall eat the inwards, not 
washed, with vinegar. 

5 Why so ? Because c I know that 
when I shall hereafter offer my flesh for 
the sins of a new people, ye will give 
me vinegar to drink mixed with gall ; 
therefore do ye only eat, the people fast- 
ing the while, and lamenting in sackcloth 
and ashes. 

6 And that he might foreshew that he 
was to suffer for them, hear then how 
he appointed it. 

7 d Take, says he, two goats, fair and 
alike, and offer them ; and let the high 
priest take one of them for a burnt-offer- 
ing. And what must be done with the 
other ? Let it, says he, be % accursed. 

8 Consider how exactly this appears 
to have been a type of Jesus : e And let 
all the congregation spit upon it, and 
prick it, and put the scarlet wool about 
its head ; and thus let it be carried forth 
into the wilderness. 

9 And this being done, he that was 
appointed to convey the goat, led it into 
the wilderness, f and took away the scar- 
let woof, and put it upon a thorn-bush, 
whose e young sprouts when we find 



* See this applied after the same manner, Heb. ix. 
yLevit. xxiii. 29. z The vessel of his spirit, a Gen. 
xxii. b Numb, xxix.&c. Vid. Coteler. in Mar?, et 
Annot. in Lock. Comp. Observ. Edit. Oxon. c Vid. 
Annot. Coteler. in loc. d Levit. xvi. Vid. Maimon, 
Tract, de Die Exp. Edit, du Veil. p. 350, Add. An- 
not Cotel and Ed. Oxon. in loc. eVid. Edit. Oxon. 
p. 40, a. 41, b. f Vid. Maim. ihid. p. 341. Comp. An- 
not. Edit. Oxon. in loc. 6 Vid. Annot. Isaac Voss. 
in loc. 



them in the field we are wont to eat : so 
the fruit of that thorn only is sweet. 

10 And to what end was this cere- 
mony ? Consider ; one was offered upon 
the altar, the other was accursed. 

11 And why was that wbich was ac- 
cursed, crowned ? Because they shall 
see Christ in that day having a scarlet 
garment about his body, and shall say, 
Is not this he whom we crucified ; hav- 
ing despised him, pierced him, mocked 
him ? Certainly, this is he who then 
said that he was the Son of God. 

12 h As therefore he shall be then like 
to what he was on earth, so were the 
Jews heretofore commanded to take two 
goats, fair and equal; that when they 
shall see (our Saviour) hereafter coming 
(in the clouds of heaven), they may be 
amazed at the likeness of the goats. 

13 Wherefore 'ye here again see a 
type of Jesus, who was to suffer for us. 

14 But what then signifies this, That 
the wool was to be put into the midst of 
the thorns ? 

15 This also is a figure of Jesus, set 
out to the church. For as he who would 
take away the scarlet wool must undergo 
many difficulties, because that thorn was 
very sharp, and with difficulty get it : 
k So they, says Christ, that will see me, 
and come to my kingdom, must through 
many afflictions and troubles attain unto 
me. 

CHAP. VII. 

The red heifer, another type of Christ. 

BUT what l type do ye suppose it to 
have been, where it is commanded 
m to the people of Israel, that grown per- 
sons in whom sins are come to perfec- 
tion, should offer a heifer, and after they 
had killed it should burn the same ; 

2 But then young men should take up 
the ashes and put it in vessels, and tie a 
piece of scarlet wool and hyssop upon a 
a stick, and so the young men should 
sprinkle every one of the people, and 
they should be clear of their sins ? 

3 Consider how all these are delivered 
in a n figure to us. 

4 This heifer is Jesus Christ; the 
wicked men who were to offer it, are 
those sinners who brought him to death, 
who afterwards have no more to do with 



h The Greek is imperfect, i Vid. Lat. Ver. k See 
Acts, xiv. 22. 1 Numb, xixi mThat this was also a 
type of Christ, see Heb. ix 13. n Vid. Vet. Lat. In- 
terpr. Simplicity, Gr. 

95 



Of the circumcision 



BARNABAS. 



of the ears. 



it ; the sinners have no more the honour 
of handling of it : 

5 But the young men that performed 
the sprinkling, signify those who preach 
to us the forgiveness of sins, and the 
purification oi the heart, to whom the 
Lord gave authority to preach his Gos- 
pel ; being at the beginning twelve, ° to 
signify the tribes, because there were 
twelve tribes of Israel. 

6 But why were there three young 
men appointed to sprinkle ? To denote 
Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, because 
they were great before God. 

7 And why was the wool put upon a 
p stick ? Because the kingdom of Jesus 
was founded upon the Across; and there- 
fore they that put their trust in him, shall 
live for ever. 

8 But why were the wool and hyssop 
put together ? To signify that in the 
kingdom of Christ there shall be evil 
and filthy days, in which however we 
shall be saved; and 'because he that has 
any disease in the flesh by some filthy 
humours, is cured by hyssop. 

9 Wherefore these things being thus 
done, are to us indeed evident, but to 
the » Jews they are obscure, because they 
hearkened not unto the voice of the Lord. 

CHAP. VIII. 

Of the circumcision of the ears ; and how in the first 
institution of circumcision, Abraham mystically 
foretold Christ by name. 

AND therefore the Scripture again 
speaks concerning our ears, that 
God has circumcised them, together with 
our hearts. For thus saith the Lord by 
the holy prophet: *By the hearing of the 
ear they obeyed me. 

2 And again, u They who are afar off, 
shall hear and understand what things I 
have done. And again, v Circumcise 
your hearts, saith the Lord. 

3 And again he saith, w Hear, Israel ! 
for thus saith the Lord thy God. And 
again the Spirit of God prophesieth, say- 
ing, x Who is there that would live for 
ever, - v let him hear the voice of my Son. 

4 And again, z Hear, Heaven, and 
give ear, Earth ! because the Lord has 
spoken these things for a witness. 

5 And again he saith, a Hear the word 



o Gr. to testify, p Wood, q Vid. Coteler. in loc. 
* Them. s Septuag. Psalms xviii, 44. t Tsaidh 
xxxiii. 13. ujer. iv. 4. ▼Jcrvii. 2. w Psalms 
xxxiii. xxxiv. x Isaiah 1. 10. 7 Itaiah i. 2. z Itaiah. 
}. 10, » Isaiah xl. 3. 

96 



of the Lord, ye princes of the people. 
And again, b Hear, children ! The voice 
of one crying in the wilderness. 

6 Wherefore he has circumcised our 
ears, that we should hear his word, and 
believe. But as for that circumcision in 
which the Jews trust, it is abolished. 
For the circumcision of which God spake 
was not of the flesh. 

7 But they have transgressed his com- 
mands, because the evil c one hath de- 
ceived them. For thus God bespeaks 
them : d Thus saith the Lord your God, 
(Here I find the new law,) sow not 
among thorns; but circumcise yourselves 
to the Lord your God. And what doth 
he mean by this saying ? Hearken unto 
your Lord. 

8 And again he saith, e Circumcise the 
hardness of your heart, and harden not 
your neck. And again, f Behold, saith 
the Lofd, all the nations are uncircum- 
cised, (they have not lost their fore-skin) ; 
but this people is uncircumcised in heart 

9 But you will say * the Jews are cir- 
cumcised for a sign. h And so are all 
the Syrians and Arabians, and all the 
idolatrous priests ; but are they therefore 
of the covenant of Israel ? And even the 
Egyptians themselves are circumcised. 

10 Understand therefore, children, 
these things more fully, that Abraham, 
who was the first that brought in circum- 
cision, looking forward in the spirit to 
Jesus, circumcised, having received the 
mystery oi three letters. 

1 1 For the Scripture says that Abra- 
ham circumcised three hundred and eigh- 
teen men of his house. ' But what there- 
fore was the mystery that was made 
known unto him ? 

12 Mark, first, the eighteen, and next 
the three hundred. For the numerical 
letters of ten and eight are 1 H ; and 
these denote Jesus. 

1 3 And because the cross was that by 
which we were to find grace, therefore 
he adds, three hundred ; the note of 
which is T (the figure of the cross). 
Wherefore by two letters he signified 
Jesus, and by the third his cross. 

14 He who has put the engrafted gift 



b Angel. cjer. iv. 3, 4. d Jer. iv. 4. eDeut 
x. 1G. fThat people. 6 Vid. Coteler. in loc. 
confer. Orig. ad. Rom. cap. ii. '25. hThat many 
others of the ancient Fathers have concurred with 
him in this : see Coteler. in loc. Add. Eund. p. 34. 35, 
ibid Ed. Oxon. in loc. An instance of the like kind. 
See Rev. xiii 17, 18. Add. Annot. D. Bernard. Edit. 
Oxon. p. 125. i Genuine. 



Spiritual meaning of BARNABAS. 

of his doctrine within us, knows, that I 
never taught to any one a more certain 
truth ; but I trust that ye are worthy of 
it. 

CHAP. IX. 

That the commands of Moses concerning clean and 
unclean beasts. &c, were all designed for a spiritual 
signification. 

BUT why did Moses say, k Ye shall 
not eat of the swine, neither the 
eagle, nor the hawk, nor the crow, nor 
any fish that has not a scale upon him ? 
I answer, that in the spiritual sense he 
comprehended three doctrines, that were 
to be ■ gathered from thence. 

2 Besides which he says to them in 
the book of Deuteronomy, And I will 
give my statutes unto this people. 
Wherefore it is not the command of God 
that they should not eat these things ; 
but Moses in the spirit spake unto them. 

3 Now the sow he forbade them to 
eat ; meaning thus much : thou shalt not 
join thyself to such persons as are like 
unto swine; who whilst they live in 
pleasure, forget their God, but when any 
want pinches them, then they know the 
Lord : as the sow when she is full knows 
not her master ; but when she is hungry, 
she makes a noise, and being again fed, 
is silent. 

4 Neither, says he, shalt thou eat the 
eagle, nor the hawk, nor the kite, nor 
the crow ; that is, thou shalt not keep 
company with such kind of men as know 
not how by their labour and sweat to get 
themselves food, but injuriously ravish 
away the things of others, and watch 
how to lay snares for them, when at the 
same time they appear to live in perfect 
innocence. 

5 ( m So these birds alone seek not food 
for themselves, but) sitting idle seek how 
they may eat of the flesh which others 
provided ; being destructive through their 
wickedness. 

6 Neither, says he, shalt thou eat the 
lamprey, nor the polypus, nor the cuttle- 
fish ; that is, thou shalt not be like such 
men, by using to converse with them, 
who are "altogether wicked and ad- 
judged to death. For so those fishes are 
alone accursed, and wallow in the mire, 



k That in this he goes on the received opinion of 
the RR. Vid. Annot. Coteler. and Ed. Oxon. in loc. 
Levitic xi Deut. xiv. Add. Ainsworth on Lev. 
xi. 1. And again on Deut xiv. 4. I In the under- 
•tanding. Dent. iv. m Vid. Antiq. Lat. Vers 
» Wicked to the end. 



clean and unclean beauts. 



nor swim as other fishes, but tumble in 
the dirt at the bottom of the deep. 

7 But he adds, • Neither shalt thou 
eat of the hare. To what end ? To sig- 
nify this to us : ^Thou shalt not be an 
adulterer, nor liken thyself to such per- 
sons. For the hare every year multiplies 
i the places of its conception ; and as 
many years as it lives, so many r it has. 

8 Neither shalt thou eat of the hyena: 
that is, again, be not an adulterer, nor a 
corrupter of others ; neither be like to 
such. And wherefore so? 8 Because that 
creature every year changes its kind, and 
is sometimes male, and sometimes female. 

9 For which cause also he justly hated 
the weasel ; to the end that they should 
not be like such persons who with their 
mouths commit wickedness, by reason 
of their uncleanness, nor join themselves 
with those impure women who with 
their mouths commit wickedness. l Be- 
cause that animal conceives with it3 
mouth. 

10 Moses therefore, speaking as con- 
cerning meats, delivered three great pre- 
cepts to them in the spiritual signification 
of those commands. But they according 
to fae desires of the flesh, understood 
him as if he had only meant it of meats. 

11 And therefore David took arighi 
the knowledge of his three-fold com- 
mand, saying in like manner, 

12 "Blessed is the man that hath not 
walked in the counsel of the ungodly, 
as the fishes before mentioned in the bot- 
tom of the deep in darkness ; 

13 Nor stood in the way of sinners, 
as they who seem to fear the Lord, but 
yet sin, as the sow; 

1 4 And hath not sat in the seat of the 
scorners, as those birds who sit and watch 
that they may devour. 

15 Here you have the law concerning 
meat perfectly set forth, and according to 
the true knowledge of it. 

16 But says Moses, v Ye shall eat all 
that divideth the hoof, and cheweth the 
cud : signifying thereby such an one as 
having taken his food, knows him that 
nourisheth him; and resting upon him, 
rejoiceth in him. 



o.See Coteler. Annot. in loc. p Thou s l ialt not 
abuse thyself with mankind. q A'VSSevatv. 

r Tpxnras. i So several naturalists have affirmed, 
though others deny it —See Annot. Coteler. in loc 
t Vid. Arist. apud Euseb. Praep. Evang. L. vii. cap. 
9. Add Coteler. in loc. u psalm i. 1, ▼ See Edit 
Oxon. p. 64, a. So Jren adv. Her. 1. v. c. 87. 

97 



Baptism and BARNABAS. 

17 And in this he spake well, having 
respect to the commandment. ^What 
therefore is it that he says ? That we 
should hold fast to them that fear the 
Lord ; with those who meditate on the 
command of the word, in their heart; 
with those that declare the righteous 
judgments of the Lord, and keep his 
commandments ; 

18 In short, with those who know 
that to meditate is a work of pleasure, 
and therefore x exercise themselves in the 
word of the Lord. 

19 But why might they eat those that 
clave the hoof ? Because the righteous 
liveth in this present world, but his ex- 
pectation is fixed upon the other. See, 
brethren, how admirably Moses com- 
manded these things. 

2 But how should we thus know all 
this, and understand it ? We therefore 
understanding aright the commandments, 
speak as the Lord would have us. 
Wherefore he has circumcised our ears 
and our hearts, that we might know 
these things. 

CHAP. X. 

Baptism and the cross of Christ, foretold in figures 
under the law. 

LET us now inquire whether the Lord 
took care to manifest anything be- 
forehand concerning water and the cross. 

2 Now for the former of these, it is 
written to the people of Israel how they 
shall not receive that baptism which 
brings to forgiveness of sins ; but shall 
institute another to themselves, that 
cannot. 

3 For thus saith the prophet: eBe as- 
tonished, Heaven ! and let the earth 
tremble at it, because this people' have 
done two great and wicked things : they 
have left me, a fountain of living water, 
and have digged for themselves broken 
cisterns, that can hold no water. 

4 Is my holy mountain z Zion a deso- 
late wilderness ? a For ye shall be as a 
young bird when its nest is taken away. 

5 And again the prophet saith, b I will 
go before thee, and will make plain the 
mountains, and will break the gates of 
brass, and will snap in sunder the bars 
of iron; and will give thee dark, and 
hidden, and invisible treasures, that they 
may know that I am the Lord God. 



w Comp. Clem. Alex. 1. iii. c. 11, et. simil. Grig. 
Theod. foe, Coteler. Annot. in loc. x Ruminate 
upon. y Jeremiah, ii. 12- z Vid. Annot. Coteler. 
and Ed. Oxon. in loc. a Isaiah xvi. 1, 2. b Isaiah 
xlv. 2. 

93 



the cross 



6 And again : he shall dwell c in the 
high den of the strong rock. And then, 
what follows in the same prophet ? His 
water is faithful : ye shall see the king 
with glory, and your soul shall learn the 
fear of the Lord. 

7 And again he saith in another pro- 
phet : He that does these things d shall 
be like a tree which is planted by the 
currents of water, which shall give its 
fruit in its season. Its leaf also shall 
not wither, and whatsoever he doeth it 
shall prosper 

8 As for the wicked, it is not so with 
them; but they are as the dust which 
the wind scattereth away from the face 
of the earth. 

9 Therefore the ungodly shall not 
stand in the judgment, neither the sin- 
ners in the council of the righteous. For 
the -Lord knoweth the way of the right- 
eous, and the way of the ungodly shall 
perish. 

10 Consider how he has joined both 
the cross and the water together. 

11 For this he saith : Blessed are they 
who put their trust in the cross, and de- 
scend into the water ; for they shall have 
their reward in due time : then, saith he, 
will I give it them. 

12 But concerning the present time, 
he saith, their leaves shall not fall : 
meaning thereby, that every word that 
shall go out of your mouth shall through 
faith and charity be to the conversion 
and hope of many. 

13 In like manner doth another pro- 
phet speak : e And the land of Jacob was 
the praise of all the earth ; f magnifying 
thereby s the vessel of his spirit. 

14 And what follows ? And there was 
a river running on the right hand, and 
beautiful trees grew up by it ; and he 
that shall eat of them shall live for ever. 
The signification of which is this ; that 
we go down into the water full of sins 
and pollutions, but come up again bring- 
ing forth fruit, having in our hearts the 
fear and hope which is in Jesus, by the 
spirit. And whosoever shall eat of them 
shall live for ever. 

15 That is, whosoever shall hearken 
to those who call them, and shall believe, 
shall live for ever. 



c Isaiah xxxiii. 16, 17. <* Psalm i. e Zeph. iii. 20. 
f For tSto \eyei, and 8, the old Interpreter did not 
read : and Clemens Alex. lib. iii Strom, p. 463, tran 
scribing this passage, hath them not. S i. e. The 
body of Christ. 



foretold under 



BARNABAS. 



the law. 



CHAP. XI. 

The subject continued. 

rN like manner he determines concern- 
ing the cross in h another prophet, 
saying, And when shall these things be 
fulfilled ? 

2 The Lord answers, When the tree 
that is fallen shall rise, and when blood 
shall drop down from the tree. Here 
you have again mention made, both of 
the cross, and of him that was to be cru- 
cified upon it. 

3 ' And yet farther he saith by Moses, 
(when Israel was fighting with, and 
beaten by, a strange people ; to the end 
that God might put k them in mind how 
that for their sins they were delivered 
unto death) yea, the Holy Spirit put it 
into the heart of Moses to represent both 
the sign of the cross, and of him that 
was to suffer ; that so they might know 
that if they did not believe in him, they 
should be overcome for ever. 

4 Moses therefore ] piled up armour 
upon armour in the middle of a rising 
ground, and standing up high above all 
of them stretched forth his arms, and so 
Israel again conquered. 

5 But no sooner did he let down his 
hands, but they were again slain. And 
why so ? To the end they might know, 
that except they trust in him they cannot 
be saved. 

6 And in another prophet, he saith, 
m I have stretched out my hands all the 
day long to a people disobedient, and 
speaking against my righteous way. 

7 And again Moses makes a n type of 
Jesus, to shew that he was to die, and 
then that he, whom they thought to be 
dead, was to give life to others ; in the 
• type of p those that fell in Israel. 

8 For God caused all sorts of serpents 
lo bite them, and they died, forasmuch 
as by a serpent transgression began in 
Eve; that so he might convince them 
that for their transgressions they shall 
be delivered into the pain of death. 

9 Moses then himself, who had com- 
manded them, saying, * Ye shall not 
make to yourselves any graven or molten 
image, to be your 'God; yet now did so 

h Vid. Conject. Edit. Oxon. Comp. iv. Esdr. v. 4, 
et Obs. Ootef. in loc. i See St. Hier. in like manner. 
Annot. D Bernard, p. 124, Edit. Oxon. Exod. xvii. 
k That were so beaten. 1 Again set them in array, 
being armed. Lat. Vers. m Isaiah lxv. 2. n So 
Irenseus, Just. Mart., St. Chrysost. &c. Vid. Edit. 
Oxon. p. 77, a'. ° Sign. P Israel falling, q Deut- 
xxvii. 15. 



himself, that he might represent to them 
the figure of the Lord Jesus. 

10 For he made a brazen serpent, and 
set it up on high, and called the people 
together by a proclamation ; where being 
come, they entreated Moses that he 
would make an atonement for them, and 
pray that they might be healed. i 

1 1 Then Moses spake unto them, sa) r - 
ing, When any one among you shall be 
bitten, let him come unto the serpent that 
is set upon the pole ; and let him assur- 
edly trust in him, that though he be dead, 
yet he is able to give life, and presently 
he shall be saved ; and so they did. See 
therefore how here also you have in this 
the glory of Jesus ; and that r in him and 
to him are all things. 

12 Again, what says Moses to Jesus 
the Son of Nun, when he gave that name 
unto him, as being a prophet, that all the 
people might hear him alone, s because 
the Father did manifest all things con- 
cerning his Son Jesus, in l Jesus the Son 
of Nun, and gave him that name when 
he sent him to spy out the land of Ca- 
naan ? u He said, Take a book in thine 
hands, and write what the Lord saith ; 
forasmuch as Jesus the Son of God shall 
in the last days cut off by the roots all 
the house of Amalek. See here again 
Jesus, not the son of man, but the Son 
of God, made manifest in a type and in 
the flesh. 

13 But because it might hereafter be 
said, that Christ was the Son of David ; 
v therefore David fearing and well know- 
ing the errors of the wicked, saith : w The 
Lord said unto my Lord, sit thou on my 
right hand, until I make thine enemies 
thy footstool. 

14 And again Isaiah speaketh on this 
wise : The Lord said unto x Christ my 
Lord, I have laid hold on his right hand, 
that the nations should obey before him, 
and I will break the strength of kings. 

15 Behold how both v David and Isaiah 
call him Lord, and the Son of God. 

CHAP. XII. 

The promise of God not made to the Jews only, but 
to the Gentiles also, and fulfilled to us by Jesus 

Christ, 

UT let us go yet farther, and inquire 
whether this people be the heir, or 



B 



r Rom. xi. 36. s Deut, xviii. 15. 18. t So the 
other Fathers. Just. Mart. &c. Vid. Edit. Oxon. 
p. 79. u Vid. Interp. Vet. Lat. Exod. xvii. 14. 
Comp. Vet. Lat. Interp. w Psalm ex. 1. * Vid. 
nnot. Coteler. in loc. Edit. Oxon. page 78, T saiah 
v. 1, y Comp. Vet. Lat. Interp. 

99 



God s s promises made 



BARNABAS. 



to the Gentiles. 



the former; and whether the covenant 
be with us, or with them. 

2 And first, as concerning the people, 
hear now what the Scripture saith. 

3 z Isaac prayed for his wife Rebekah, 
because she was barren ; and she con- 
ceived. Afterwards Rebekah went forth 
to inquire of the Lord. 

4 And the Lord said unto her : There 
are two nations in thy womb, and two 
people shall come from thy body ; and 
the one shall have power over the other, 
and the greater shall serve the lesser. 
Understand here who was Isaac; who 
Rebekah ; and of whom it was foretold, 
that this people should be greater than 
that. 

5 And in another prophecy Jacob 
speaketh more clearly to his son Joseph, 
saying, a Behold the Lord hath not de- 
prived me of seeing thy face, bring me 
thy sons that I may bless them. And 
he brought unto his father b Manasseh 
and Ephraim, desiring that he should 
bless Manasseh, because he was the 
elder. 

6 Therefore Joseph brought him to 
the right hand of hi; father Jacob. But 
Jacob by the spirit foresaw the figure of 
the people that was to come. 

7 And what saith the Scripture ? And 
Jacob crossed his hands, and put his right 
hand upon Ephraim, his second and the 
younger son, and blessed him. And Jo- 
seph said unto Jacob, Put thy right hand 
upon the head of Manasseh, for he is my 
first-born son. And Jacob said unto 
Joseph, I know it, my son, I know it; 
but the greater shall serve the lesser, 
though he also shall be blessed. 

8 Ye see of whom he appointed it, 
that they should be the first people, and 
heirs of the covenant. 

9 If therefore God shall have yet far- 
ther taken notice of this by Abraham 
too, our understanding of it will then be 
perfectly established. 

10 What then saith the Scripture to 
Abraham, when he c believed, and it was 
imputed unto him for righteousness? Be- 
hold I have made thee a father of the 
nations, which without circumcision be- 
lieve in the Lord, 

1 1 Let us therefore now inquire, whe- 



z Gen. xxv. 21. Comp. St. Paul, Rom. ix. Just 
Mart., Tert. &c. Vid. Ed. Oxon. p. 81, a. a Gen' 
xlvii. b Vid. Lat. Interp. Vet. c Gen. xv. 6. So. 
St. Paul himself applies this ; Rom. iv. 3. 

100 



ther God has fulfilled the covenant which 
he sware to our fathers, that he would 
give this people ? Yes, verily, he gave 
it ; but they were not worthy to receive 
it by reason of their sins. 

12 For thus saith the prophet: d And 
Moses continued fasting in Mount Sinai, 
to receive the covenant of the Lord with 
the people, forty days and forty nights. 

1 3 e And he received of the Lord two 
tabes written with the finger of the Lord's 
hand in the Spirit. And Moses when 
he had received them brought them down 
that he might deliver them to the people. 

14 And the Lord said unto Moses: 
f Moses, Moses, get thee down quickly, 
for the people which thou broughtest 
out of the land of Egypt have done 
wickedly. 

15 And Moses understood that they 
had again set up a molten image ; and 
he cast the two tables out of his hands, 
and the tables of the covenant of the 
Lord were broken. Moses therefore re- 
ceived them, but they were not worthy. 

16 Now then learn how we have re- 
ceived them. Moses, being a servant, 
took them ; but the Lord himself has 
given them unto us, that we might be 
the people of his inheritance, having 
suffered for us. 

17 He was therefore made manifest; 
that they should fill up the measure of 
their sins, and that we s being made heirs 
by him, should receive the covenant of 
the Lord Jesus. 

J 8 And again the prophet saith • h Be- 
hold, I have set thee for a light unto the 
Gentiles, to be ' x the saviour of ail the 
ends of the earth, saith the Lord the God 
who hath redeemed thee. 

19 Who for that very end was pre- 
pared, that by his own appearing he 
might redeem our hearts, already devour- 
ed by death, and delivered over to the 
irregularity of error, from darkness ; and 
establish a covenant with us by his word. 

20 For so it is written, that the Fa- 
ther commanded him by delivering us 
from darkness, to prepare unto himself a 
holy people. 

21 Wherefore the prophet saith: k I 
the Lord thy God have called thee in 
righteousness; and I will take thee by 
thy hand and will strengthen thee. And 



d Exod. xxiv. 18. e Deut. ix. 10. Exod. xxxiii. 
18. f Exod. xxxii. 7. Deut.ix. 12. g Vid. Lat. In- 
terp. Vet. h Isaiah xlix. 7. i For salvation unto, 
k Isaiah xiii. 6. 



Jewish sabbath 



BARNABAS. 



typical. 



give thee for a covenant of the people, 
for a light of the Gentiles, *To open 
the eyes of the blind, to bring out the 
prisoners from the prison, and them that 
sit in darkness out of the prison-house. 

22 Consider therefore from whence 
we have been redeemed. And again the 
prophet saith : m The spirit of the Lord 
is upon me ; he hath sent me to preach 
glad tidings to the lowly; to heal the 
broken in heart ; to preach remission to 
the captives, and sight unto the blind ; 
to proclaim the acceptable year of the 
Lord, and the day of restitution ; to com- 
fort all that mourn. 

CHAP. XIII. 

That the sabbath of the Jews was but a figure of a 
more glorious sabbath to come, and their temple, 
of the spiritual temples of God. 

FURTHERMORE it is written con- 
cerning the sabbath, in the Ten 11 
Commandments, which God spake in the 
mount Sinai to Moses, ° face to face : 
Sanctify the sabbath of the Lord with 
pure hands, and with a clean heart. 

2 And elsewhere he saith ; 9 If thy 
children shall keep my sabbaths, then 
will I put my mercy upon them. 

3 And even in the beginning of the 
creation he makes mention of the sab- 
bath, i And God made in six days the 
works of his hands; and he finished 
them on the r seventh day, and he rested 
the seventh day, and sanctilied it. 

4 Consider, my children, what that 
signifies, he finished them in six days. 
The meaning of it is this ; that in 8 six 
thousand years the Lord God will bring 
all things to an end. 

5 For with him one day is a thousand 
years : as himself testifieth, saying, Be- 
hold this day shall be as a thousand 
years. Therefore, children, in six days, 
that is, in six thousand years shall l all 
things be accomplished. 

6 And what is that he saith, And he 
rested the seventh day : he meaneth this; 
that when hi* Son shall come, and abol- 
ish the season of the u Wicked One, and 
judge the ungodly ; and shall change the 
sun and the moon, and the stars ; then 



1 Verse 7. m Isaiah xli. 1, 2. Comp. Luke iv. 18. 
n Words, o Exod. xx. 8. P Jer. xvii. 24. q Gen. 
ii. 2. Exod. xx. 11, xxxi. 17. r Vid. Cotel. Annot. 
in loc. s How general this tradition then was. See 
Coteler. Annot. in loc. Edit. Oxon. page 90, a. Psalm 
lxxxix. t That is, to the time of the Gospel, says 
Dr. Bernard, q. v. Annot. p. 127, Ed. Oxon. « So 
the Lat. Vers. 



he shall gloriously rest in that seventh 
day. 

7 He adds lastly ; Thou shalt sanctify 
it with clean hands and a pure heart. 
Wherefore we are greatly deceived if 
we imagine that any one can now sanc- 
tify that day which God has made holy, 
without having a heart pure in all things. 

8 Behold therefore he will then truly 
sanctify it with blessed rest, when we 
(having received the righteous promise, 
when iniquity shall.be no more, all things 
being renewed by the Lord) shall he be 
able to sanctify it, being ourselves first 
made holy. 

9 Lastly, he saith unto them : v Your 
new moons and your sabbaths I cannot 
bear them. Consider what he means by 
it ; the sabbaths, says he, which ye now 
keep are not acceptable unto me, but 
those which I have made ; when resting 
from all things I shall begin w the eighth 
day, that is, the beginning of the other 
world. 

10 For which cause we observe the 
eighth day with gladness, in which Jesus 
rose from the dead ; and having mani- 
fested himself to his disciples, ascended 
into heaven. 

1 1 II It remains yet that I speak to you 
concerning the temple : how those mis- 
erable men being deceived have put their 
trust in the x house, and not in God him- 
self who made them ; as if it were the 
habitation of God. 

12 For much after the same manner 
as the Gentiles, they consecrated him in 
the temple. 

13 But learn therefore how the Lord 
speaketh, rendering the temple vain : 
y Who has measured the heaven with a 
span, and the earth with his hand ? Is 
it not I ? Thus saith the Lord. • z Hea- 
ven is my throne, and the earth is my 
footstool. What is the house that ye 
will build me ? Or what is the place of 
my rest ? Know therefore that all their 
hope is vain. 

14 And again he speaketh after this 
manner : Behold they that destroy this 
temple, even they shall again build it up. 
And so it came to pass ; for through their 
wars it is now destroyed by their ene- 
mies ; and the servants of their enemies 
build it up. 

15 Furthermore, it has been made 

v Isaieh i. 13. w So the other Fathers, q. v. apud 
Coteler. Annot. In loc. p. 36. * Vid. Edit. Oxon. et 
Vet. Lat. Interp. y Isaiah xl. J2. z Isaiah xlvi. 1. 

101 



The temple 



BARNABAS. 



typical 



manifest, how both the city and the tem- 
ple, and the people of Israel should he 
given up. For the Scripture saith ; a And 
it shall come to pass in the last days, 
that the Lord will deliver up the sheep 
of his pasture, and their fold, and their 
tower unto destruction. And it is come 
to pass, as the Lord hath spoken. 

16 Let us inquire therefore, whether 
there be any temple of God ? Yes there 
is : and that there, where himself declares 
that he would both make and perfect it. 
For it is written ; b And it shall be that as 
soon as the week shall be completed, the 
temple of the Lord shall be gloriously 
built in the name of the Lord. 

17 I find therefore that there is a tem- 
ple. But how shall it be built in the 
name of the Lord ? I will show you. 

18 Before that we believed in God, 
the habitation of our heart was corrupti- 
ble and feeble, as a temple truly built 
with hands. 

19 For it was a house full of idolatry, 
a house of devils ; inasmuch as there was 
done in it whatsoever was contrary unto 
God. But it shall be built in the name 
of the Lord. 

20 Consider, how that the temple of 
the Lord shall be very gloriously built ; 
and by what means that shall be, learn. 

21 Having received remission of our 
sins, and trusting in the name of the 
Lord, we are become renewed, being 
again created as it were from the begin- 
ning. Wherefore God truly dwells in 
our house, that is, in us. 

22 But how does he dwell in us ? The 
word of his faith, the calling of his pro- 
mise, the wisdom of his righteous judg- 
ments, the commands of his doctrine ; he 
himself prophecies within us, he himself 
dwelleth in us, and openeth to us who 
were in bondage of death the gate of 
c our temple, that is, c the mouth of wis- 
dom, having given repentance unto us ; 
and by this means has brought us to be 
an incorruptible temple. 

23 He therefore that desires to be 
saved looketh c not unto the man, but 
unto him that dwelleth in him, and speak - 
eth by him ; being struck with wonder, 
forasmuch as he never either heard him 
speaking such words out of his mouth, 
nor ever desired to hear them. 

24 This is that spiritual temple that is 
huilt unto the Lord. 



CHAP. XIV. 



a Zeph. ii. 6. juxt. Heb. 
* Vid. Lnt. Vet. Interp. 

102 



b Dan. ix. Haggai, ii. 



Of the way of light ; being a summary of what a 
Christian is to do, that he may be happy for ever. 

AND thus I trust, I have declared to 
you as much, and with as great 
simplicity as I could, those things which 
make for your salvation, so as not to 
have omitted any thing that might be re- 
quisite thereunto. 

2 For should I speak farther of the 
things that d now are, and of those that 
are to come, you would not yet under- 
stand them, seeing they lie in parables. 
This therefore shall suffice as to these 
things. 

3 Let us now^ go on to the other kind 
of knowledge and doctrine. There are 
two ways of doctrine and power ; the one 
of light, the other of darkness, 

4 But there is a great deal of difference 
between these two ways : for over one 
are appointed the e angels of God, the 
leaders of the way of light ; over the 
other the angels of Satan. And the one 
is the Lord from everlasting to everlast- 
ing; the other is the prince of the time 
of unrighteousness. 

5 Now the way of light is this, if any 
one desires to attain to the place" that is 
appointed for him, and will hasten thith- 
er by his works. And the knowledge 
that has been given to us for walking In 
it, is to this effect : Thou shalt love him 
that made thee : thou shalt glorify him 
that hath redeemed thee from death. 

6 Thou shalt be simple in heart, and 
rich in the spirit. Thou shalt not cleave 
to those that walk in the way of death. 
Thou shalt hate to do any thing that is 
not pleasing unto God. Thou shalt ab- 
hor all dissimulation. Thou shalt not 
neglect any of the commands of the 
Lord. 

7 Thou shalt not exalt thyself, but 
shalt be humble. Thou shalt not take 
honor to thyself. Thou shalt not enter 
into any wicked counsel against thy 
neighbour. Thou shalt not be over-con- 
fident in thy heart. 

8 Thou shalt not commit fornication, 
nor adultery. Neither shalt thou corrupt 
thyself with mankind. Thou shalt not 
make use of the word of God, to any 
impurity. 

9 Thou shalt not accept any man's 
person, when thou leprovest any one's 
faults. Thou shalt be gentle. Thou 



d So the old Lat. Interp, 
Basil, in Psalm i. 



e Vid. Coteler. in loc, et 



Way of light 



BARNABAS. 



to a Christian. 



shalt be quiet. Thou shalt tremble at the 
words which thou hast heard. Thou 
shalt not keep any hatred in thy heart 
against thy brother. Thou shalt not en- 
tertain any doubt whether it shall be, or 
not. 

10 Thou shalt not take the name of 
the Lord in vain. Thou shalt love thy 
neighbour above thy own soul. 

11 Thou shalt not destroy thy concep- 
tions before they are brought forth ; nor 
kill them after they are born. 

12 Thou shalt not withdraw thy hand 
from thy son, or from thy daughter ; but 
shalt teach them from their youth the 
fear of the Lord. 

13 Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's 
goods ; neither shalt thou be f an extor- 
tioner. Neither shall thy heart be joined 
to proud men ; but thou shalt be num- 
bered among the righteous and the lowly. 
Whatever e events shall happen unto 
thee, thou shalt receive them as good. 

14 Thou shalt not be double-minded, 
or double-tongued ; for a double tongue 
is the snare of death. Thou shalt be 
subject unto the Lord, and to inferior 
masters as to the representatives of God, 
in fear and reverence. 

15 Thou shalt not be bitter in thy 
commands towards any one of thy ser- 
vants that trust in God ; Jest thou chance 
not to fear him who is over both; be- 
cause he came not to call any with re- 
spect of persons, but whomsoever the 
spirit had prepared. 

16 Thou shalt communicate to thy 
neighbour of all thou hast ; thou shalt 
not call any thing thine own : for if ye 
partake in such things as are incorrupti- 
ble, how much more should ye do it in 
those that are corruptible ? 

17 h Thou shalt not be forward to 
speak; for the mouth is the snare of 

. death. ' Strive for thy soul with all thy 
might. k Reach out thine hand to re- 
ceive, and withhold it not when thou 
shouldest give. 

18 Thou shalt love, as the apple of 
thine eye, every one that speaketh unto 
thee the Word of the Lord. l Call to thy 
remembrance day and night, the future 
judgment. 

f Greedy, wX«ov£/cr>7f . v> Effect,, h See Ecclus. 
iv. 20. i Ibid ver 23. For so I choose to read it, 
vttco rns xpvxni w dyuiVEvcreis, according to the 
conjecture of Cotelerius. k Ibid. v. 36. 1 And re- 
member him night and day. The words hpapas 
Kpiecos, seem to have been erroneously inserted, and 
ervert the sense. 



19 Thou shalt seek out every day the 
persons of the m righteous : and both con- 
sider, and go about to exhort others by 
the word, and meditate how thou may- 
est save a soul. 

20 Thou shalt also labour with thy 
hands to give to the poor, » that thy sins 
may be forgiven thee. Thou shaft not 
deliberate whether thou shouldst give : 
nor having given, murmur at it. 

21 Give to every one that asks; so 
shalt thou know who is the good re ward- 
er of thy giits. 

22 Keep whattliou hast received ; thou 
shalt neither add to it, nor take from it. 

23 Let the wicked be always thy aver- 
sion. Thou shalt judge righteous judg- 
ment. Thou shalt never cause divisions ; 
but shalt make peace between those 
that are at variance, and bring them 
together. 

24 Thou shalt confess thy sins ; and 
not come to thy prayer with an evil con- 
science. 

25 This is the way of light. 

CHAP. XV. 

Of the way of darkness ; that is, what kind of per- 
sons shall be forever cast out of the kingdom of 
God. 

BUT the way of darkness is crooked . 
and full of cursing. For it is the 
way of eternal death, with punishment ; 
in which they that walk meet those things 
that destroy their own souls. 

2 Such are ; idolatry, confidence, pride 
of power, hypocrisy, double-mindedness, 
adultery, murder, rapine, pride, transgres- 
sion, deceit, malice, arrogance, witchcraft, 
coveteousness, and the want of the fear 
of God. 

3 In this walk those who are the per- 
secutors of them that are good ; haters of 
truth ; lovers of lies ; who know not the 
reward of righteousness, nor cleave to 
any thing that is good. 

4 Who administer not righteous judg- 
ment to the widow and orphan ; who 
watch for wickedness, and not for the 
fear of the Lord : 

5 From whom gentleness and patience 
are far off; who love vanity, and follow 
after rewards ; having no compassion 
upon the poor ; nor take any pains for 
such as are heavy laden and oppressed. 

6 Ready to evil speaking, not know- 



m Gr. Saints, n (Jr. For the redemption of thy 
sins. Comp. Dan. iv, 24. ^ce lxx. 

103 



Who shall be 



EPHESIANS. 



cast out 



ing him that made them : murderers of 
children ; corrupters of the creature of 
God ; that turn away from the needy ; op- 
press the afflicted : are the advocates of 
the rich, but unjust judges of the poor; 
being altogether sinners. 

7 It is therefore fitting that learning 
the just commands of the Lord, which we 
have before mentioned, we should walk 
in them. For he who does such things 
shall be glorified in the kingdom of God. 

8 But he that choses the other part 
shall be destroyed, together with his 
works. For this cause there shall be 
both a resurrection and a retribution. 

9 I beseech those that are in high es- 
tate among you, (if so be you will take 
the counsel which with a good intention 
I offer to you), you have those with you 
towards whom you may do good ; do not 
forsake them. 

10 For the day is at hand in which 
all things shall be destroyed, together 
with the wicked one. The Lord is near, 
and his reward is with him. 

Ill beseech you therefore again, and 
again, be as good lawgivers to one anoth- 
er ; continue faithful counsellors to each 
other ; remove from among you all hy- 
pocrisy. 



12 And may God, the Lord of all the 
world, give you wisdom, knowledge, 
counsel, and understanding of his judg- 
ments in patience. 

13 Be ye taught of God ; seeking what 
it is the Lord requires of you, and doing 
it ; that ye may be saved in the day of 
judgment. 

14 And if there be among you any re- 
membrance of what is good think of me ; 
meditating upon these things, that both 
my desire and my watching for you may 
turn to a good account. 

15 I beseech you ; 1 ask it as a favor 
of you ; whilst you are in this beautiful 
° tabernacle of the body, be wanting in 
none of these things ; but without ceas- 
ing seek them, and fulfil every com- 
mand : For these things are fitting and 
worthy to be done. 

16 Wherefore I have given the more 
diligence to write unto you, according to 
my ability, that you might rejoice. Fare- 
well, children of love and peace. 

17 The Lord of glory, and of all grace, 
be with your spirit. Amen. 

IT The end of the epistle of Barnabas, the 
Apostle, and fellow-traveller of St 
Paul, the Apostle. 



The EPISTLE of IGNATIUS to the EPHESIANS. 

IT Of the Epistles of Ignatius. 

The Epistles of Ignatius are translated by Archbishop Wake from the text of Vossius. He says that there 
were considerable differences in the editions ; the best for a long time extant containing fabrications, 
and the genuine being altered and corrupted. Archbishop Usher printed old Latin translations of them 
at Oxford, in 1644. At Amsterdam, two years afterwards, Vossius printed six of them in their ancient 
and pure Greek ; and the seventh, greatly amended from the ancient Latin version, was printed at 
Paris, by Ruinart, in 1689, in the Acts and Martyrdom of Ignatius, from a Greek un inter pointed copy. 
These are supposed to form the collection that Poly carp made of the Epistles of Ignatius, mentioned 
by Ireneeus, Origen, Eusebius, Jerome, Athanasius, Theodoret, Gelasius, and other ancients ; but many 
learned men have imagined all of them to be apocryphal. This supposition, the piety of Archbishop 
Wake, and his persuasion of their utility to the faith of the church, will not permit him to entertain ; 
hence he has taken great pains to render the present translation acceptable, by adding numerous read- 
ings and references to the Canonical Books.] 



CHAP. 1. 

1 Commends them for sending Onesimus, and other 
members of the church to him. 8 Exhorts them to 
unity, 13 by a due subjugation to their bishop. 

IGNATIUS, who is also called Theo- 
phorns, to the church which is at 



104 



o Vessel. 



Ephesus in Asia ; most deservedly hap- 
py ; being blessed a through the greatness 
and fulness b of God the Father, and pre- 
destinated before the world began, that it 
should be always unto an enduring and 
unchangeable glory ; being united and 

a In. b See Eph. iii. 19. 



Of unity and 



EPHESIANS. 



subjection. 



chosen c through his true passion, c ac- 
cording to the will of the Father, and 
Jesus Christ our God ; all d happiness, by 
Jesus Christ, and e his undefiled Grace. 

2 I have e heard of your name much 
beloved in God ; which ye have f very 
justly attained by a e habit of righteous- 
ness, according to the faith and love 
which is in Jesus Christ our Saviour. 

3 How that being b followers of God, 
and stirring up yourselves by the blood of 
Christ, ye have perfectly accomplished 
the work that was con-natural unto you. 

4 For hearing that I came bound from 
Syria, for the common name and ' hope, 
trusting through your prayers to light 
with beasts at Rome ; that so by k suffer- 
ing I may become indeed the disciple of 
him l who gave himself to God, an offer- 
ing and sacrifice for us ; m (ye hastened 
to see me.) I received therefore, in the 
name of God, your whole multitude in 
Onesimus. 

5 Who by inexpressible love is ours, 
but according to the flesh is your bishop : 
whom I beseech you, by Jesus Christ, to 
love ; and that you would all strive to be 
like unto him. And blessed be God, who 
has granted unto you, who are so worthy 
of him, to n enjoy such an excellent 
bishop. 

6 For what concerns my fellow-ser- 
vant Burrhus, and your ° most blessed 
deacon in things pertaining to God ; I en- 
treat you that he may tarry longer, both 
for yours, and your bishop's honour. 

7 And Crocus also worthy both our 
God and you, whom 1 have received as 
the pattern of your love, has in all things 
refreshed me, as the Father of our Lord 
Jesus Christ shall also refresh him ; to- 
gether with Onesimus, and Burrhus, and 
Euplus, and Fronto, pin whom I have, 
as to your charity, seen all of you. And 
may I always <i have joy of you, if I shall 
be worthy of it. 

8 It is therefore fitting that you should 
r by all means glorify Jesus Christ who 
hath glorified you : that 9 by a uniform 
obedience t ye may be perfectly joined 
together in the same mind, and in the same 
judgment; and may all speak the same 
things concerning every thing : 

c In. d Health, jov. e Received. Vid. Epis. In- 
terp. f Vid. Coteler.'in loc. Comp. Gal. iv. 8. S Pear- 
son. Vind. Ignat. Par. 2, cap. 14- h Imitators, 
i Viz : of Christ, k Martyrdom. 1 Eph. v. 2. m See 
the old Lat. Edit, of Bishop Usher. n Possessed, 
o Blessed in all things. p By. q See Philem. 20. 
r In all manner of ways, s Jn one. t 1 Cor. i. 10. 



9 And that being subject to u your 
bishop, and the presbytery, ye may be 
wholly and thoroughly sanctified. 

10 These things I v prescribe to you, 
not as if I were somebody extraordinary : 
for though I am bound w for his name, 
I am not yet perfect in Christ Jesus. 
x But now I begin to learn, and I speak 
to you as fellow-disciples together with 
me. 

11 For I ought to have been stirred 
up by you, in faith, in admonition, in pa- 
tience, in long-suffering : but for as much 
as charity suffers me not to be silent y to- 
wards you, I have first taken upon me to 
exhort you, that ye would all run toge- 
ther according to the will of God. 

12 For even Jesus Christ, our insepar- 
able life, is sent by the z will of the Fa- 
ther ; as the bishops, appointed unto the 
utmost bounds of the earth, are by the 
will of Jesus Christ. 

13 a Wherefore it will become you to 
run together according to the will of your 
bishop, as also ye do. 

14 For your b famous presbytery, 
worthy of God, is fitted as exactly to the 
bishop, as the strings are to the harp. 

15 Therefore in your concord, an'l 
agreeing charity, Jesus Christ is sung ; 
and every single person among you makes 
up the chorus : 

16 That so being all consonant in 
c love, and taking up the song of God, ye 
may in a perfect unity, with one voice, 
sing to the Father by Jesus Christ ; to the 
end that he may both hear you, and per- 
ceive by your works, that ye are indeed 
the members of his Son, 

17 Wherefore it is profitable for you to 
live in an unblamable unity, that so ye 
may always d have a fellowship with 
God, 

CHAP. II. 

1 The benefit of snbjecticu. 4 The bishop not to be 
respected the less because he is not forward in ex- 
acting it. 8 Warns them against heretics ; bidding 
them cleave to Jesus, whose divine and human 
nature is declared : commends them for their care 
to keep themselves from false teachers ; and shews 
them the way to God. 

FOR if I in this little time have had 
such a familiarity with your bishop, 
I mean not a carnal, but spiritual acquaint- 
ance with him ; how much more must 1 
think you happy who are so joined to him, 



"The; ▼ Command you. win. * For. y Con- 
cerning, z Mind, counsel, opinion, &c. a Whence- 
b Worthy to be named, c Concord. d Partake of 

105 



Love to the bishop. 



EPHESIANS. 



Exhorts against heresy. 



as the church is to Jesus Christ, and Jesus 
Christ to the Father ; that so all things 
may agree in the same unity ? 

2 Let no man deceive himself ; if a 
man be not within the altar, he is depriv- 
ed of the bread of God. For if the piayer 
of e one or two be of such force, as we 
are told ; how much more powerful shall 
that of the bishop and the whole church 
be? 

3 He therefore that does not come toge- 
ther into the same place with it, is f proud, 
and has already e condemned himself. 
For it is written, h God resisteth the proud. 
Let us take heed therefore, that we do not 
set ourselves against the bishop, that we 
may be subject to God. 

4 ' The more any one sees his bishop 
silent, the more let him revere him. For 
whomsoever the master of the house sends 
to be over his own household, we ought 
in like manner to receive him, as we 
would do him that sent him. It is there- 
fore evident that we ought to look upon 
the bishop, even as we would do upon 
the Lord himself. 

5 And indeed Onesimus himself does 
greatly commend your good order in God : 
That you all live according to the truth, 
and that no heresy dwells among you. 
For neither do ye hearken to any one 
more than to Jesus Christ speaking to you 
in truth. 

6 For some there are who k carry about 
the name of Christ l in deceitfulness, but 
do things unworthy of God ; whom ye 
must m flee, as ye would do so many wild 
beasts. For they are ravening dogs, who 
bite secretly : against whom ye must 
guard yourselves, as men hardly to be 
cured. 

7 There is one physician, both fleshly 
and spiritual ; made and not made ; God 
incarnate ; true life in death ; both of 
Mary and of God ; first passable, then 
impassable ; even Jesus Christ our Lord. 

8 Wherefore let no man deceive you ; 
as indeed neither are ye deceived, being 
wholly the servants of God. For inas- 
much as there is no contention, nor strife 
among you, "to trouble you, ° ye must 
needs live according to God's will, p My 
soul be for yours ; and I myself the ex- 



e Matt, xviii. 10. f Is already pro ud, and has, &c. 
g Judged or separated. h James iv. 6. i And the. 
k Accustom themselves to carry. 1 In wicked de- 
ceit, m Avoid, n Which can. o Without douht ye 
live. pVid. Voss. Annot. in loc. Pearson. Vind. 
Jgn. D ar. 2, p. 207, 208. 

106 



piatory offering for your church of Ephe- 
sus, so famous * throughout the world. 

9 They that are of the flesh cannot do 
the works of the spirit ; neither they that 
are of the spirit the works of the flesh. 
r As he that has faith cannot be an infi- 
del ; nor he that is an infidel have faith. 
But even those things which ye do ac- 
cording to the flesh are spiritual ; foras- 
much as ye do all things in Jesus Christ. 

10 Nevertheless T have "heard of 
some who have l passed by you, having 
perverse doctrine ; whom ye did not sur- 
fer to sow u among you ; but stopped 
your ears, that ye might not receive those 
things that were sown by them : as v be- 
ing the stones of the temple of the Father, 
prepared for w his building ; and drawn 
up on high by the Cross of Christ, * as by 
an engine. 

1 1 Using the Holy Ghost as the rope : 
your faith being your support ; and your 
charity the way that leads unto God. 

12 Ye are therefore, with all your 
companions in the same y journey, full of 
God ; his spiritual temples, z full of Christ, 
z full of holiness : adorned in all things 
with the commands of Christ. 

13 In whom also 1 rejoice that 1 have 
been thought worthy by a this present 
epistle to converse, and joy together with 
you ; that with respect to the other life, 
ye love nothing but God only. 

CHAP. 111. 

1 Exhorts them to prayer ; to be unblamable. 5 
To be careful of salvation ; 11 frequent in public 
devotion, 13 and to live in charity. 

PRAY also without ceasing for other 
men : for there is hope of repentance 
in them, that they may attain unto God, 
let them therefore at least be instructed by 
your works, if they will be no other 
way. 

2 Be ye mild at their anger ; humble 
at their boasting : to their blasphemies, 
return your prayers : to their error, your 
b firmness in the faith : when they are 
cruel, be ye gentle ; not endeavoring to 
imitate their ways. 

3 (Let us be their brethren in all kind- 
ness and moderation, but let us be fol- 
lowers of the Lord ; c for who was ever 



q To age?, r As neither is faith the things of infi- 
delity, nor infidelity the things of faith. s Known, 
t Passed thither, u Upon, v Com p. Eph. ii. 20, 21, 22. 
1 Pet. ii. 5. w The building of God the Father. 
x By the engine of the cross, &c. y Pearson, ib. ap. 
2, cap. 12. z Carriers, a These things I write, b Be 
ye firm, c Who has been more, &c. 



Charity and love 



EPHESIANS. 



of the Gospel 



more unjustly used ? More destitute ? 
More despised ?) 

4 That so no herb of the devil may be 
iound in you ; but ye may remain in all 
holiness and sobriety d both of body and 
spirit, in Christ Jesus. 

5 The last times « are come upon us : 
let us therefore be very reverent, and fear 
the long-suffering of God, that it be not to 
us into condemnation. 

6 For let us either fear the wrath that 
is to come, or let us love the grace f that 
we at present enjoy : that e by the one, 
or other, of these we may be found in 
Christ Jesus, unto true life. 

7 h Besides him, let nothing ■ be wor- 
thy of you ; k for whom also I bear about 
these bonds, those spiritual jewels, in 
which I would to God that I might arise 
through your prayers. 

8 Of which I entreat you to make me 
always partaker, that I may be found in 
the lot of the christians of Ephesus, who 
have always ] agreed with the Apostles, 
m through the power of Jesus Christ 

9 IT I know both who I am, and to 
whom I write : I, a person condemned ; 
ye, such as have obtained mercy ; I, ex- 
posed to danger ; ye, confirmed against 
danger. 

10 Ye are the passage of those that are 
killed for God ; the companions of Paul 
in the mysteries of the Gospel ; the holy, 
the n martyr, the deservedly most happy 
Paul : at whose feet may I be found, 
when I shall have attained unto God ; 
who, ° throughout all his epistle makes 
mention of you in Christ Jesus. 

1 1 Let it be your care therefore to come 
more fully together, to the praise and 
glory of God. For when ye meet fully 
together in the same place, the powers of 
the devil are destroyed and his p mischief 
is dissolved by the 9 unity of your fafth. 

12 And indeed, nothing is better than 
peace ; by which all war both r spiritual 
and earthly is abolished. 

13 Of all which nothing is hid from 
you, if ye have perfect faith and charity 
in Christ Jesus, which are the beginning 
and end of life. 

14 For the beginning is faith ; and the 



d In Jesus Christ, both bodily and spiritually. 
1 Cor. vii. 34. e Remain : or for it remains. f Is 

firesent. g One of the two, only that we may be 
bund, &c. h Without him. i Become you. k In. 
1 Assented to. m In. a Witnessed of. o Vid. Cot. 
in loc. Pears. Vind. Ign. par. 2, cap. 10. P Destruc- 
tion, q Concord. * Of things in heaven ; and of 
things on earth. 



end charity. And these two 8 joined to- 
gether, are of God : but all other things 
which concern a holy life are the conse- 
quences of these. 

15 No man professing a true faith, sin- 
neth ; neither does he who has charity, 
hate any. 

16 'The tree is made manifest by its 
fruit ; so they who profess themselves to 
be christians u are known by what they 
do. 

17 For Christianity is not the work of 
an outward profession ; but shows itself 
in the power of faith, if a man be found 
faithful unto the end. 

18 It is better for a man to hold his 
peace, and be ; than T to say, he is a 
christian, and not to be. 

19 Tt is good to teach ; w if what he 
says, he does likewise. 

20 There is therefore one master who 
spake, and it was done ; and even those 
things which he did without speaking, are 
worthy of the Father. 

21 He that possesses the word of Jesus, 
is truly able to hear his very silence, that 
he may be perfect ; x and both do accord- 
ing to what he speaks, and be known by 
those things of which he is silent. 

22 There is nothing hid from God, but 
even our secrets are nigh unto him. 

23 Let us therefore do all things, as 
becomes those who have * God dwelling 
in them ; that we may be his temples, 
and he may be our God : as also he is, 
and will manifest himself before our faces, 
by those things z for which we justly 
love him. 



CHAP. IV. 

1 To have a care for the Gospel. 9 The virginity of 
Mary, the incarnation and the death of Christ, 
were hid from the Devil. 11 How the birth of 
Christ was revealed. 16 Exhorts to unity. 

BE not deceived, my brethren : those 
that a corrupt families by adultery, 
shall not inherit the kingdom of God. 

2 If therefore they who do this accord- 
ing to the flesh, b have suffered death ; 
how much more shall he die, who by his 
wicked doctrine corrupts the faith of God, 
for which Christ was crucified ? 

3 c He that is thus defiled, shall depart 



8 Being in unity. I Matt. xii. 33. u Shall be 
seen, or made manifest, v Speaking, not to be. ^ If 
he who says, does, x That he may. J" Him. z Out 
of. a The corrupters of houses. 1 Cor. vi. 9, 10. 
b 1 Cor. x. 8. c Such a one being become defiled. 

107 



The incanatiorti $c. 



EPHESIANS. 



hid from the devil. 



into unquenchable fire, and so also shall 
he that d hearkens to him. 

4 For this cause did the Lord e suffer 
the ointment to be poured on his head ; 
that he might breathe the breath of im- 
mortality unto his church. 

5 Be not ye therefore annointed with 
the evil savour of the doctrine of the 
prince of this world: let him not take 
you captive from the life that is set be- 
fore you. 

6 And why are we not all wise ; see- 
ing we have received the knowledge of 
God, which is Jesus Christ ? Why f do 
we suffer ourselves foolishly to perish ; 
£ not considering the gift which the Lord 
has truly sent to us ? 

7 h Let my life be sacrificed for the doc- 
trine of the cross ; which is indeed a 
scandal to the unbelievers, but to us is 
salvation and life eternal. 

8 i Where is the wise man ? Where is 
the disputer ? Where is the boasting of 
those who are called wise ? 

9 For our God Jesus Christ was ac- 
cording to the dispensation of God, k con- 
ceived in the womb of Mary, of the seed 
of David, l by the Holy Ghost : m he was 
born and baptized, that through his pas- 
sion he might purify water, to the wash- 
ing away of sin. 

10 Now the virginity of Mary and he 
who was born of her, w T as kept in secret 
from the prince of this world ; as was 
also the death of our Lord : three of the 
u mysteries the most spoken of through- 
out the world, yet done in ° secret by 
God. 

1 1 How then was our Saviour mani- 
fested to the world ? A star shone in 
heaven beyond all the other stars, and its 
light was inexpressible, and its novelty 
struck terror into men's minds. All the 
rest of the stars, together with the sun 
and moon, were the chorus to this star : 
but that sent out its light exceedingly 
above them all. 

d Hears him. e Receive ointment. Psalm xxiii. 
5, exxxiii. 2. t Are we foolishly destroyed ? g Not 
knowing. h See Dr. Smith's note in loc 1 Cor. i. 
18, 23, 24. i I Cor. i. 20. k Carried. 1 But by. 
m Who was. n Mysteries of noise, o Silence, or 
quietness. See Rom. xvi. 25. 

108 



12 And men p began to be troubled to 
think whence this * new star came so un- 
like to r all the others. 

1 3 Hence all the power and magic be- 
came dissolved ; and every bond of wick- 
edness was 8 destroyed ; men's ignorance 
was taken away ; and the old kingdom 
abolished ; God himself l appearing in the 
form of a man, for the renewal of eternal 
life. 

14 From thence began what God had 
prepared : from thenceforth things were 
disturbed ; forasmuch as he designed to 
abolish death. 

15 But if Jesus Christ shall give me 
grace through your prayers, and it be his 
will, I purpose in a second epistle which 
1 will suddenly write unto you to mani- 
fest to you more fully the dispensation of 
which I have now begun to speak, unto 
the new man, which is Jesus Christ; 
both in his faith, and charity ; in his suf- 
fering, and in his resurrection. 

1 6 Especially if the Lord shall u make 
known unto me, that ye all by name 
come together in common in one faith, 
and in one Jesus Christ; who was of the 
race of David according to the flesh ; the 
Son of man, the Son of God; v obeying 
your bishop and the presbytery with an 
entire w affection ; breaking one and the 
same bread, which is the medicine of im- 
mortality; our antidote that we should 
not die, but live for ever in Christ Jesus. 

17 My soul be for yours, and theirs 
whom ye have sent, to the glory of God ; 
even unto Smyrna, from whence also I 
write to you ; giving thanks unto the 
Lord, and loving Poly carp even as I do 
you. Remember me, as Jesus Christ 
does remember you. 

18 Pray for the church which is in 
Syria, from whence 1 am carried bound to 
Rome ; being the least of all faithful 
which are there, as I have been thought 
worthy to be found to the glory of God. 

19 Fare ye well in God the Father, 
and in Jesus Christ, our common Hope. 
Amen. 

P There was a disorder. q Novelty. rThern. 
» Disappeared. t Being made manifest, u Reveal. 
▼ That ye may obey, w Mind. 



\ 



Exhorts to reverence 



MAGNESIANS. 



the bishops* 



The EPISTLE of IGNATIUS to the MAGNESIANS. 



CHAP. I. 

4 Mentions the arrival of Daraas their Bishop, and 
others, 6 whom he exhorts them to reverence, 
notwithstanding he was a young man. 

IGNATIUS who is also called Theo- 
phorus ; to the blessed a (church) b by 
the grace of God the Father in Jesus 
Christ our Saviour : in whom I salute the 
church which is at Magnesia near the 
Maeander ; and wish it all joy in God the 
Father and in Jesus Christ. 

2 When I heard of your well-ordered 
love and chanty c in God, being full of 
joy, I desired much to speak unto you in 
the faith of Jesus Christ. 

3 For having d been thought worthy to 
obtain a most excellent name, e in the 
bonds which I carry about, I f salute the 
churches ; wishing in them a union both 
of the body and spirit of Jesus Christ, our 
eternal life : as also of faith and charity, 
to which nothing is preferred : but es- 
pecially of Jesus and the Father; in 
whom s if we undergo all the injuries of 
the prince of this present world, and es- 
cape, we shall enjoy God. 

4 Seeing then I have been judged 
worthy to see you, by Damas your h most 
excellent bishop ; and by your very worthy 
presbvters, Bassus and Apollonius; and 
by my fellow-servant Sotio the deacon ; 

5 In whom 'I rejoice, forasmuch as he 
is subject unto his bishop as to the grace 
of God, and to the presbyterry as to the 
law of Jesus Christ ; k l determined to 
write unto you. 

6 Wherefore it will become you also 
not 'to use you; bishop too familiarly 
upon the account of his youth ; but to 
yield all reverence to him according to the 
power of God the Father : as also I per- 
ceive that your holy presbyters do ; not 
considering his ra age, which indeed to ap- 
pearance is young ; but as becomes those 
who are prudent in God, submitting to 

a Vid. Intern. Lat. Epist. Interp. b In. e Ac- 
cording to. d Been vouchsafed a name carrying a 
great deal of divinity in it. e See Bishop Pearson, 
Vind. Ign. par ii. cap. 12, p. 116. f Sing, commend, 
g Undergoing, escaping. h Worthy of God. 

i Whom may I enjoy. k Apud Vet. Lat. Interp. 
Glorificato Deum Patrem D. nostri Jesu Christi- 
1 Vid. Voss. Annot. in loc. Pearson Proef. ad. Vind. 
Jgnat. m Seeming youthful state. 



him, or rather not to him, but the Father 
of our Lord Jesus Christ, the bishop of 
us all. 

7 It will therefore n behove you, c with 
all sincerity, to obey your bishop ; in 
honor of him p whose pleasure it is that 
ye should do so. 

8 Because he that does not do so, de- 
ceives not the bishop whom he sees, but 
i affronts him that is invisible. r For 
whatsoever of this kind is done, it reflects 
not upon s man, but upon God, who knows 
the secrets of our hearts. 

9 It is therefore fitting that we should 
not only be called christians, but be so. 

10 As some call indeed their governor, 
bishop ; and yet do all things without 
him. 

1 1 But I can never think that such as 
these have a good conscience, seeing they 
are not gathered together l thoroughly ac- 
cording to God's commandment. 

CHAP. II. 

1 That as all must die, 3 he exhorts them to live 
orderly, e-mi in unity. 

SEEING then ail things have an end, 
there are these two "indifferently set 
before us, death and life ; and every one 
shall depart unto his proper place. 

2 For as there are two sorts of coins, 
the one of God, the other of the world ; 
and each of these has its proper v in- 
scription engraven upon it ; so also is it 
here. 

3 The unbelievers are of this world ; 
but the faithful, through charity, have the 
character of God the Father by Jesus 
Christ : by whom if we are not readily 
disposed to die after the likeness of his 
passion, his life is not in us. 

4 Forasmuch therefore as I have in the 
persons before-mentioned, seen w all of 
you in faith and charity ; I exhort you 
that ye study to do all things in a x divine 
concord : 

5 Your bishop presiding in the place of 

n It is becoming. o Without any hypocrisy. 

P Who willeth it. * Deludes. r Vid. Epist. Interp. 
ad loc. s Flesh, t Firmly, u Together, v Char- 
acter set. w Your whole multitude. * The concord 
of God. 

109 



Cautions against 



MAGNESIANS. 



false opinions 



God ; your presbyters in the place of the 
council of the Apostles ; and your dea- 
cons most ^dear to me, being intrusted 
with the ministry of Jesus Christ ; who 
was the Father before all ages, and ap- 
peared in the z end to us. 

6 Wherefore taking the same a holy 
course, see that ye all reverence one an- 
other : and let no one look upon his 
neighbour after the flesh ; but do ye all 
mutually love each other in Jesus Christ. 

7 Let there be nothing that may be 
able to make a division among you ; but 
be ye united to your pattern and direction 
in the way to immortality. 

8 b As therefore the Lord did nothing 
without the father, being united to him ; 
neither by himself nor yet by his Apos- 
tles ; so neither do ye do any thing with- 
out your bishop and presbyters : 

9 Neither endeavour to let any thing 
appear rational to yourselves apart ; 

10 But being come together into the 
same place, c have one common prayer ; 
one supplication ; one mind ; one hope ; 
in charity, and in joy undented. 

1 1 There is one Lord Jesus Christ, than 
whom nothing is better. Wherefore 
d come ye all together as unto one temple 
of God ; as to one e altar, as to one Jesus 
Christ; who proceeded from one Father, 
and exists in one, and is returned to one. 



CHAP. III. 

1 He cautions them against false opinions. 3 Es- 
pecially those of fEbion and the Judaizing Christ- 



BE not deceived with « strange doc- 
trines ; nor with old fables which 
are unprofitable. For if we still con- 
tinue to live according to the Jewish law, 
we do confess ourselves not to have re- 
ceived grace. For even the most h holy 
prophets lived according to Christ Jesus. 
2 And for this cause were they j erse- 
cuted, being inspired by his grace, 'to 
convince the unbelievers and disobedient 
that there is one God who has manifested 
himself by Jesus Christ his Son ; who is 
his k eternal word, not coming forth from 
silence, who in all things pleased him 
that sent him. 



y Sweet. z Was made manifest. Heb. ix. 26. 
* Habit of God. b John x. 30 ; xiv. 11,12; xvii. 21, 
98. c Eph. iv. 3, 4, 5, 6. d Run. e John xvi. 28. 
f Pearson, Vind. Ign. par. 2, cap. 4. s Heterodox, 
b Most divine, i Fully to satisfy, k John i. 1. 

110 



3 Wherefore if they who were brought 
up in these ancient ] laws came neverthe- 
less to the newness of hope ; no longer ob- 
serving sabbaths, but m keeping the Lord's 
day, in which also our life is sprung up 
by him, and through his death, n whom 
yet some deny : 

4 (By which mystery we have ° been 
brought to believe, and therefore wait that 
we may be found the disciples of Jesus 
Christ, our only master :) 

5 How shall we be able to live p dif- 
ferent from him ; whose disciples the very 
prophets themselves being, did by the 
spirit expect him as their master. 

6 ^And therefore he whom they justly 
waited for, being come, raised them from 
the dead. 

7 Let us not then be insensible of his 
goodness ; for should he r have dealt with 
us according to our works, we had not 
now had a being. 

8 Wherefore being become his disci- 
ples, let us learn to live according to the 
rules of Christianity : for whosoever is 
called by any other name 8 besides this, 
he is not of God. 

9 Lay aside therefore the old and sour, 
and evil leaven ; and be changed into the 
new leaven, which is Jesus Christ. 

10 Be ye salted in him, lest any one 
among you should be corrupted ; for by 
your saviour ye shall be l judged. 

11 It is absurd to name Jesus Christ, 
and to Judaize. For the christian religion 
did not u embrace the Jewish, but the 
Jewish the christian ; that so every tongue 
that believed might be gathered together 
unto God. 

12 These things, my beloved, 1 write 
unto you ; not that I know of any among 
you that v lie under this error: but as 
w one of the least among you, I am desi- 
rous to forewarn you that ye fall not into 
the x snares of vain doctrine : 

13 But that ye be fully instructed in 
the birth, and suffering, and resurrection 
of Jesus Christ, our hope ; which was 
accomplished in the time of the govern- 
ment of Pontius Pilate, and that most 
truly and ^certainly ; and from which God 
forbid that any among you should be 
turned aside. 



1 Things, m Or, living according to. n Or which, 
o Received, p Without, q Matt, xxvii. 2. r Vid. 
Annot. Voss. in loc. should he have imitated our 
works, Gr. s More than, t Convicted, overthrown. 
" Believe. ▼ Have yourselves so. f Lesser than 
you, x Hooks, y Firmly, 



Commends subjection TRALLIANS. 



to bishops, priests, <%c 



CHAP. IV. 

1 Commends their faith and piety : 7 exhorts them 
to persevere : 10 desires their prayers for himself 
and the church of Antioch. 

MA Y I therefore have joy of you in 
all things, if I shall be worthy of 
it. For though I am bound, yet am I 
not worthy to be compared to one of you 
that are at liberty. 

2 I know that ye are not puffed up ; 
for ye have Jesus Christ z in your hearts. 

3 And especially when I commend 
you, I know that ye are ashamed, as it is 
written a The just man condemneth him- 
self. 

4 Study therefore to be confirmed in the 
doctrine of our Lord, and of his Apostles ; 
that so whatsoever ye do, ye may prosper 
both in body and spirit ; in faith and char- 
ity ; in the Son, and in the Father, and in 
the Holy Spirit ; in the beginning, and in 
the end. 

5 Together with your most worthy 
bishop, and the w well-wrought spiritual 
crown of your presbytery; and your 
deacons which are according to God. 

6 Be subject to your bishop, and to one 
another, as Jesus Christ to the Father ac- 
cording to the flesh ; and the Apostles both 



to Christ and to the Father, and to the 
Holy Ghost ; that so ye may c be united 
both in body and spirit. 

7 d Knowing you to be full of God, 1 
have the more briefly exhorted you. 

8 Be mindful of me in your prayers, 
that I may e attain unto God ; and of the 
church that is in Syria, from f which 1 
am not worthy to be called. 

9 For I stand in need of your joint- 
prayers in God, and of your charity, that 
the church which is in Syria may be 
thought worthy to be « nourished by your 
church. 

10 The Ephesians h from Smyrna sa- 
lute you, from which place I write unto 
you; (being present here to the glory of 
Go$, in like manner as you are,) who 
have in all things refreshed me ; together 
with Polycarp the bishop of the Smyrnae- 
ans. 

1 1 The rest of the churches in the hon- 
our of Jesus Christ, salute you. 

12 'Farewell, and be ye strengthened 
in the concord of God ; k enjoying his in- 
separable spirit, which is Jesus Christ. \ 



IT To the Magnesians. 



The EPISTLE of IGNATIUS to the TRALLIANS. 



CHAP. I. 

1 Acknowledges the coming of their bishop. 5 Com- 
mends them for their subjection to their bish- 
op, priests, and deacons ; and exhorts them to 
continue in it: 15 is afraid even of his over-great 
desire to suffer, lest it should be prejudicial to 
him. 

IGNATIUS, who is also called Theo- 
phorus, to the holy church, which is 
at Tralles in Asia ; beloved of God, the 
Father of Jesus Christ ; elect and worthy 
of God; having peace a through the flesh 
and blood and passion of Jesus Christ 
our hope ; in the resurrection which is 



z In yourselves, a. Prov. xviii. 17, Sept. b Worthi- 
ly complicated, c There may be a union both flesh- 
ly and spiritual. dEph. iii. 19. e Find, enjoy. 
( Whence. g Bedewed. Vid. Epist. Interpol, in 
loc. « Which came to Smyrna upon my account. 
i '"E/J^cuc^. k Possessing, a In. 



h by him : which also 1 salute in its ful- 
ness, continuing in the apostolical cha- 
racter ; wishing all joy and happiness 
unto it. 

2 I have c heard of your blameless and 
d constant disposition through patience, 
which not e only appears in your out- 
ward conversation, but it is naturally 
rooted and grounded in you. 

3 ]n like manner as Polybius your 
bishop has declared unto me ; who came 
to me to Smyrna, by the will of God and 
Jesus Christ; and so rejoiced together 
with me r in my bonds for Jesus Christ, 
that in effect I saw your whole e church 
in him. 



bTJnto. e Known, d Inseparable mind, e Which 
you have not according to use, but according to 

1 .,- HI-.U^.-.l- = 



possession, f Who am bound. 



s Multitude. 

in 



Warns against heresy. 



TRALLIANS. 



Exhorts to humility, 




4 Having therefore received the testi- 
mony of your good will towards me 'for 
God's sake, hy him ; k I seemed to find 
you, as also I knew that ye were the fol- 
lowers of God. 

5 For m whereas ye are subject to your 
bishop as to Jesus Christ, ye appear to me 
to live not after the manner of men, but 
according to Jesus Christ ; who died for 
us, that so believing in his death, ye 
might "escape death. 

6 It is therefore necessary, that as ye 
do, so without your bishop, you should 
do nothing : also be ye subject to your 
presbyters, as to the Apostles of Jesus 
Christ our hope ; in whom if we walk, 
we shall be found in him. 

7 °The deacons also, as being the min- 
isters of the mysteries of Jesus Christ, 
must by all means please all. For they 
are not the Pministers of meat and drink, 
but of the church of God. Wherefore 
they must avoid all offences, as they 
would do fire. 

8 In like manner let all reverence the 
deacons qas Jesus Christ ; and the bishop 
as the Father ; and the presbyters as the 
Sanhedrim of God, and college of the 
Apostles. 

9 Without these there is no r church. 
Concerning all which I am persuaded 
that ye s think after the very same man- 
ner : for I have received, and even now 
have with me the pattern of your love, in 
your bishop. 

10 Whose very Hook is instructive; 
and whose mildness, "powerful : T whom 
I am persuaded, the very Atheists them- 
selves cannot but reverence. 

11 But because I have a love towards 
you, 1 will not write any more sharply 
unto you about this matter, though I very 
well might ; but now I have done so ; 
lest being a condemned man, I should 
seem to prescribe to you as an Apostle. 

12 I have w great knowledge in God; 
but I x refrain myself, lest I should perish 
in my boasting. 

1 3 For now I ought the more to fear ; 
and not hearken to those that would puff 
me up. 

14 For they that speak to me in my 
praise, chasten me. 

h Your benevolence, i According to God. k Vid. 
Voss. in loc. 1 Imitators, m When, n Flee from, 
o Vid. Voss. in loc p Deacons. q As also the 
bishop like Jesus Christ the Son of the Father. Voss. 
in loc. vid. aliter Cotel. * A church is not called. 
» So do. t Habit of body, is great instruction, 
u Power. v Vid. Voss. et Usserium in loc. ft I 
understand many things, x Measure. 1 12 



St 



1 5 For I indeed y desire to suffer, but I 
cannot tell whether 1 am worthy so to do. 

16 z And this desire, though to others 
it does not appear, yet to myself it is for 
that very reason the more violent. I 
have, therefore, need of a moderation ; by 
which the prince of this world is destroy- 
ed. 

17 Am I not able to write to you o: 
heavenly things ? But I fear lest I should 
harm you, who are yet but babes i; 
Christ : (excuse me this care ;) and lest 
perchance being not able to receive them, 
ye should be choaked with them. 

18 For even I myself, although I am 
in bonds, yet am not therefore able to 
understand heavenly things : 

19 As the b places of the angels, and 
the several companies of them, under 
their respective princes ; things visible 
and invisible; but in these I am yet a 
learner. 

20 For many things are wanting to us, 
that we come not short of God. 

CHAP. II. 

1 Warns them against heretics ; 4 exhorts them to 
humility and unity ; 10 briefly sets before them the 
true doctrine concerning Christ. 

I EXHORT you therefore, or rather 
not I, but the love of Jesus Christ ; 
that ye use none but christian nourish- 
ment ; abstain from pasture which is of 
another kind, I mean heresy. 

2 c For they that are heretics, confound 
together the doctrine of Jesus Christ with 
their own poison ; d whilst they seem 
worthy of belief : 

3 As men give a deadly potion mixed 
with sweet wine ; which he who is igno- 
rant of, does with the treacherous plea- 
sure sweetly drink in his own death. 

4 Wherefore guard yourselves against 
such persons. And that you will do if 
you are not puffed up ; but continue in- 
separable from Jesus Christ our God, and 
from your bishop, and from the com- 
mands of the Apostles. 

5 e He that is within the altar is pure : 
but he that is without, that is, that does 
any thing without the bishop, and pres- 
byters, and deacons, is not pure in his 
conscience. 

6 Not that I know there is any thing 



y Love, z Vid. Annot. Vossii in loc. a Mildness, 
b Orders. c Vid. de hoc loco conjecturas Vossii, 
Cotelerii, et Junii apud Usserium. Comp. Epist. In- 
terpol, in loc. et. Voss. Annot. in.-JEpist. ad. Phil. p. 
281. d Being believed for their dignity, e Vid. TJs- 
serii Obs. Marg. Comp. Coteler. ib. 



Unity, and prayer, TRALLIANS. 

of this nature among you ; but I fore-arm 
you, as being greatly beloved by me, fore- 
seeing the snares of lhe devil. 

7 Wherefore patting on meekness, re- 
new yourselves m faith, that is, the flesh 
of the Lord; and in charity, that is, the 
blood of Jesus Christ. 

8 Let no man have f any grudge against 
his neighbour. Give no occasion to the 
Gentiles ; lest by means of a few foolish 
men, the whole congregation of God be 
evil spoken of. 

9 For wo to that man ^through whose 
vanity my name is blasphemed by any. 

10 Stop your ears therefore, as often 
as any one shall speak h contrary to Jesus 
Christ ; who was of the race of David, 
of the Virgin Mary. 

11 Who was truly born, and did eat 
and drink ; was truly persecuted under 
Pontius Pilate; was truly crucified and 
dead ; both those in heaven and on earth, 
and under the earth ' being spectators 
of it. 

12 Who was also truly raised from 
the dead k by his Father, after the same 
manner as me will also raise up us who 
believe in him, by Christ Jesus ; without 
whom we have no true life. 

13 But if as some who are Atheists, 
that is to say infidels, pretend, that he 
only seemed to suffer : (they themselves 
only seeming to exist) why then am I 
bound ? Why do I desire to fight with 
beasts? Therefore do 1 die in vain: 
therefore I will not speak falsely against 
the Lord. 

14 Flee therefore these evil m sprouts 
which bring forth deadly fruit; of which 
if any one taste, he shall presently die. 

15 For these are not the plants of the 
Father ; seeing if they were, they would 
appear to be the branches of the cross, 
and their fruit would be incorruptible : by 
which he invites you through his passion, 
who are members of him. 

1 6 For the head cannot be without its 



f Anything. % Through whom in vanity, Isaiah 
lii. 5. h Without, i Seeing, or looking on. k His 
Father raising him. 1 The Father, m Plants. 



for the church. 

members, God having promised a union* 
that is, himself. 

CHAP. Ill 

lie again exhorts to unity : and desires their prayers 
for himself and for his church at Antioch. 

1 SALUTE you from Smyrna, "together 
with the churches of God that are pre- 
sent with me ; who have refreshed me in all 
things, both in the flesh and in the spirit. 

2 My bonds, which 1 carry about me 
for the sake of Christ, (beseeching him 
that I may attain unto God) exhort you, 
that you continue in °concord among your- 
selves, and in prayer with one another. 

3 For it becomes every one of you, 
especially the presbyters, to refresh the 
bishop, to the honor of the Father, of 
Jesus Christ, and of the Apostles. 

4 I beseech you, that you hearken to 
me in love ; that I may not Pby those 
things which I write, rise up in witness 
against you. 

5 Pray also for me ; who through the 
mercy of God stand in need of your pray- 
ers, that I may be worthy of the portion 
wmich I am about to obtain, that I be not 
found a reprobate. 

6 The \ove of those who are at Smyr- 
na and Ephesus salute } T ou. Remember 
in your prayers the church of Syria, from 
which I am not worthy to be called, be- 
ing one of the least of lit. 

7 Fare ye well in Jesus Christ ; being 
subject to your bishop as to the command 
of God ; and so likewise to the presbytery. 

8 Love every one his brother with 
an r unfeigned heart. s My soul be your 
expiation, not only now, but when 1 
shall have attained unto God : for I am 
yet under danger. 

9 But the Father is faithful in Jesus 
Christ, to fulfil both mine and your pe- 
tition : in whom may ye be found un- 
blamable. 

IT To the Trallians. 



■ i. e The delegates of the church. The con- 

cord of you. P Be a testimony among you, writing, 
q Them. r Undivided. » Vid. Annot. Vossii. et 
Coteler. in loc. 

113 



Hopes to suffer 



ROMANS. 



for Christ's sake 



The EPISTLE of IGNATIUS to the ROMANS. 



CHAP. I. 

I He testifies his desire to see, and his hopes of suf- 
fering for Christ. 5 which he earnestly entreats 
them not to prevent, 10 but pray for him, that 
God would strengthen him to the combat. 



I 



GNATIUS, a who is also called The- 
ophorus, to the church which has ob- 
tained mercy b from the majesty of the 
Most High Father, and his only c begot- 
ten Son Jesus Christ ; beloved, and illu- 
minated d through the will of him who 
w r illeth all things which are according to 
the love of Jesus Christ our e God ; which 
also presides in the f place of the region 
of the Eomans ; and which s I salute in 
the name of Jesus Christ, ( h as being) 
united both in flesh and spirit to all his 
commands, and i filled with the grace of 
God ; k (all joy) in Jesus Christ our God. 

2 l Forasmuch as I have at last m ob- 
tained through my prayers to God, to see 
your n faces, ° which I much desired to 
do ; being bound in Christ Jesus, I hope 
ere long to salute you, if it shall be the 
will p of God to grant me to attain unto 
the end I long for. 

3 For the beginning is well disposed, 
if I shall but have grace, without hin- 
drance, to receive i what is appointed foi 
me. 

4 But I fear your love lest it do me an in- 
jury. For it is easy for you to do what 
you please ; but it r will be hard for me 
to attain unto God, if you spare me. 

5 But I 8 would not that ye should 
please men, but God ; t whom also ye do 
please. For neither shall I ever hereaf- 
ter have such an opportunity u of going 
unto God ; nor will you, if ye shall now 
be silent, ever be entitled to a better 
work. For if you shall be silent r in my 
behalf, I shall be made partaker of God. 



a Vid, Pearson. Vind. Tgnat. par. 2 chap. 2, ch. 
xvi. p. 214. b In. c Omitted, Gr. d In. e God ; 
which also presides in the place of the region of the 
Romans, worthy of God ; most decent, most blessed, 
most praised, most worthy to obtain what it desires; 
most pure, most charitable, called by the name of 
Christ and the Father ; Gr. f Type of the chorus, i. 
e. the Church of the Romans. See Voss. Annot. in 
loc. S Also. b (The Son of the Father ; to those 
who are— Gr.) i Wholly filled, Gr. k (Being ab- 
solutely separated from any other color ; much pure, 
or immaculate joy.) 1 Gr. m Vid. Voss. Annot. in 
loc. n Worthy of God. ° And have received even 
more than I asked, being bound. P Gr. q My lot. 
* Is. s I will not please you as men, Gr. t As. u At- 
taining unto, v From me, 

114 



6 But if you shall love my w body, I 
shall have my course again to run. 
Wherefore ye cannot do me a greater 
kindness, than to suffer me to be sacri- 
ficed unto God, now that the altar is al- 
ready prepared : 

7 That x when ye shall be gathered 
together in love, ye may y give thanks to 
the Father through Christ Jesus ; that he 
has vouchsafed z to bring a bishop of Sy- 
ria unto you, being called from the east 
unto the west. 

8 For it is good for me to set from the 
world, unto God; that I may rise again 
unto him. 

9 Ye have never envied any one ; ye 
have taught others. I would therefore 
that ye a should now do those things 
yourselves, which in your instructions 
you have b prescribed to others. 

10 Only pray for me, that God would 
give me both inward and outward strength, 
that I may not only say, but will ; nor 
be only called a christian, but be found 
one. 

1 1 For if 1 shall be found a christian, 
1 may then deservedly be called one : 
And be thought faithful, when I shall no 
longer appear to the world. 

12 Nothing is c good, that is seen. 

13 For even our God, Jesus Christ, 
now that he is in the Father, does so 
much the more appear. 

14 A christian is not a work of d opin- 
ion ; but of greatness of mind, ( e especial- 
ly w T hen he is hated by the world). 

CHAP. If. 

Expresses his great desire and determination to suf- 
fer martyrdom. 

1 WRITE to the churches, and f signify 
to them all, that I am willing to die 
for God, unless you s hinder me. 

2 I beseech you that you h shew not 
an unseasonable good will towards me. 
Suffer me to be food to the wild beasts ; 
by whom I shall attain unto God. 

w Flesh. x Being become a chorus. y Sing, 
z That a bishop of Syria should be found. a That 
those things also should be firm. *> Commanded. 
Vid. Annot. Usseri in loc. N. 26, 27. c Nothing 
that is seen is eternal : for the things which are seen 
are temporal, but the things that are not seen are 
eternal. <* Persuasion, or silence. Gr. e (Desunt, 
Gr.) f Vid. Usser. Annot. N. 31. 8 Forbid me. 
h Be not. 



Earnestly desires 



ROMANS. 



Martyrdom. 



3 For I am the wheat of God ; and I 
shall be ground by the teeth of the wild 
beasts, that I may be found the pure 
bread 'of Christ. 

4 Rather k encourage the beasts, that 
they may become my sepulchre ; and may 
leave nothing of my body ; that being 
dead, I may not be troublesome to any. 

5 Then shall I be truly the disciple of 
Jesus Christ, when the world shall not 
see so much as my body. Pray there- 
fore unto Christ for me, that by these in- 
struments I may be made the sacrifice 
1 of God. 

6 I do not, as Peter and Paul, com- 
mand you. They were Apostles, I a 
condemned man ; they were free, but I 
am even to this day a servant : 

7 But if I shall suffer, I shall then be- 
come the freeman of Jesus Christ, and 
shall rise ■ free. And now, being in 
bonds, I learn not to desire n anything. 

8 From Syria even unto Rome, I fight 
with beasts both by sea and land ; both 
night and day : being bound to ten leop- 
ards, that is to say, to such a band of sol- 
diers ; who though treated with all man- 
ner of kindness, are the worse for it. 

9 But I am the more instructed by 
their injuries; oyet I am not therefore 
justified. 

10 May I enjoy the \vild beasts that 
are prepared for me ; which also I wish 
may Pexercise all their fierceness upon me. 

11 And whom for that end I will 
q encourage, that they maybe sure to de- 
vour me, and not serve me as they have 
done some, whom out of fear they have 
not touched. But, and if they will not 
do it willingly, I will provoke them to it. 

12 Pardon me in this matter; I know 
what is profitable for me. Now I begin 
to r be a disciple : Nor s shall anything 
move me, whether visible or invisible, 
that I may attain to Christ Jesus 

1 3 Let fire and the cross ; let the l com- 
panies of wild beasts ; u let breakings of 
bones, and tearing of members ; let the 
v shattering in pieces of the whole body, 
and all w the wicked torments of the devil 
come upon me ; only let x me enjoy Je- 
sus Christ. 

i Vid. Vet. Lat. Jnterp. et Annot. Usser. N. 32. 
k Flatter. 1 Desunt, Gr. m Free in him, Gr. n Any 
worldly or vain thing?, Gr. o ] Cor. iv. 4. P Vid. 
Voss. in loc. Usser. Annot. N. 48. May be ready 
for me, Gr. q Usser. Annot. N. 48, * Luke. xiv. 
27. s Vid. Coteler. in. loc. Rom. viii. 38. 39. 

t Force, or rage. u Let tearings and rendings, Gr. 
t Vid. Usser. Annot. N. 56. w lb. N. 57. x That 
I may. 



14 All the y ends of the world, and the 
kingdoms z of it, will profit me nothing : 
I would rather die R for Jesus Christ, than 
rule to the utmost ends of the earth 
b Him 1 seek who died for us : him I de- 
sire that rose again for us. This is the 
c gain that is laid up for me. 

15 Pardon me, my brethren, ye shall 
not hinder me from living : ( d Nor see- 
ing I desire to go to God, may you sepa- 
rate me from him, for the sake of this 
world ; nor seduce me by any of the e de- 
sires of it). Suffer me to f enter into pure 
light : Where being come, I shall be in- 
deed the s servant of h God. 

16 Permit me imitate the passion of 
my God. If any one has him within 
himself, let him consider what I desire ; 
and let him have compassion on me, as 
knowing * how 1 am straightened. 

CHAP. III. 

Further expresses his desire to suffer. 

THE prince of this world would fain 
carry me away, and corrupt my 
k resolution towards my God. Let none 
of you ' therefore help ■ him : Rather do 
ye join with me, that is, with God. 

2 Do not speak with Jesus Christ, and 
yet covet the world. Let not any envy 
dwell with you : No not though 1 my- 
self, when I shall be come unto you, 
should exhort you to it, yet do not ye 
hearken to me ; but rather believe what 
1 now write to you. 

3 For though I am alive at the writing 
this, yet my desire is to die. My love 
is crucified ; n (and the ° fire that is with- 
in me does not desire any water : but 
being alive and p springing within me, 
says,) Come to the Father. 

4 I take no pleasure in the food of 
corruption, nor in the pleasures of this 
life. 

5 I desire the bread of God, <i which is 
the flesh of Jesus Christ, ( r of the seed of 



y Gr. Pleasures. z Of this age. * Gr. unto, 
b For what is a man profitted if he shall gain the 
whole world and lose his own soul, Gr. Add. c Usu- 
ry. Gr. Vid. Voss. Correct, p. 301. <* JVfor desire 
that I should die, who seek to go to God, rejoice not 
in the world. Gr. e By matter. f Take : lay hold 
on. g Man. h Vid, Annot. Voss. in loc. i What 
things constrain me. k Mind : will. 1 Who are 
present, m Vid. Voss. Annot. in loc. n (And there 
is not any fire in me that loves matter, but living and 
speaking water saying within me. Gr.) ° Coteler, 
aliter explicat. Annot. in loc. Usser. N. 79, P Voss. 
in loc. Contr. Coteler. q, v. q The heavenly bread 
which is, Gr. r (The Son of God made in these 

last times of the seed of David and Abraham, and 
the drink of God that I long for. Gr. 

115 



Commends their 



PHILADELPHIANS. 



bishop. 



David ; and the drink 1 long for) is his 
blood, which is incorruptible love. 8 

6 I have no desire to live any longer 
after the manner of men; l neither shall 
I, if you consent. Be ye therefore willing 
that ye yourselves also may be u pleasing 
to God. I v exhort you w in a few words ; 
I pray you believe me. 

7 Jesus Christ will show you that I 
speak truly. My mouth is without de- 
ceit, and the Father hath truly spoken 
x by it. Pray therefore for me, that I 
may accomplish what I desire. 

8 I have not written to you after the 
flesh, but according to the will of God. 
If I shall suffer, y ye have loved me : but 
if I shall be rejected, z ye have hated me. 

Remember in your prayers the church 
of Syria, which now enjoys God for its 
shepherd instead of me : a Let Jesus 
Christ only b oversee it, and your char- 
ity. 

10 But I am even ashamed to be reck- 
oned as one of them : For neither am I 
worthy, being the least among them, and 
as one c born out of due season. But 



through mercy I have obtained to be 
somebody, if I shall get unto God. 

1 1 My spirit salutes you ; and the 
charity of the Churches that have receiv- 
ed me in the name of Jesus Christ ; not 
as a passenger. For even they that were 
not near to me in the way, have gone be- 
fore me to the next city to meet me. 

12 These things 1 write to you from 
Smyrna, by the most worthy of the 
church of Ephesus. 

13 There is now with me, together 
with many others, Crocus, most beloved 
of me. As for those which are d come 
from Syria, and are gone before me to 
Eome, to the glory of God, I suppose you 
are not ignorant of them. 

14 Ye shall therefore signify to them 
that I draw near, for they are all worthy 
both of God and of you : Whom it is fit 
that you refresh in all things. 

1 5 This have I written to you, the day 
before the ninth of the calends of Sep- 
tember. e Be strong unto the end in the 
patience of Jesus Christ/ 

1T To the Romans. 



The EPISTLE of IGNATIUS to the PHILADELPH1ANS. 



CHAP. I 

Commends their bishop, whom they had sent unto 
him, 5 warns them against divisions and schism, 

IGNATIUS, who is also called Theo- 
phorus, to the church of God the father 
and our Lord Jesus Christ which is at 
Philadelphia in Asia ; which has obtain- 
ed mercy, being fixed in the concord of 
God, and rejoicing a evermore in the pas- 
sion of our Lord, and being fulfilled in all 
mercy through his resurrection : Which 
also I salute in the blood of Jesus Christ, 
b which is our eternal and undefiled joy; 
especially if they are at unity with the 
bishop, and presbyters who are with him, 
and the deacons appointed c according to 
the d mind of Jesus Christ ; whom he has 

- » Gr. Adds. And perpetual life, t And that shall 
be. u Willed, v Vid. Annot. Voss. in loc. w By 
a short letter. *In. > T Ye have willed it. z Viz. 
as unworthy to suffer. a Vid. Vet. Interp. Lat. 
b Shall oversee it. c i Cor. xv. 8. d Vid. Vet. In- 
terp. Lat. e That is, the xxiiid of August, Gr. 
f Amen, Gr. » [nseparably. *> Vid. Vet. Interp. 
Lat. c in. d Will, order. 

116 



settled according to his own will in all 
firmness by his Holy Spirit : 

2 Which bishop I know obtained e that 
great ministry among you, not of himself, 
neither by men, nor out of vain glory ; 
but f by the love of God the Father and 
our Lord Jesus Christ : 

3 Whose moderation s I admire ; who 
by his silence is able to do more than 
h others with all their vain talk. For he 
is fitted to the commands, as the harp to 
its strings. 

4 Wherefore my soul esteems his mind 
towards God most happy, knowing it to 
be fruitful in all virtue, and perfect ; full 
of constancy, free from passion, * and ac- 
cording to all the moderation of the liv- 
ing God. 

5 Wherefore as becomes the children 
both of the light and of truth, flee divis- 



e Ministry belonging to the public, fin. g Hat 
struck me with wonder. h Those that speak vain 
things, i In. 



Exhorts to 



PHILADELPHIANS. 



ions and false doctrines : but where your 
shepherd is, there do ye, as sheep, follow 
after. 

6 For there are many wolves k who 
seem worthy of belief, that with a i false 
pleasure lead captive those that run in the 
course of God : but in your concord, they 
shall find no place. 

7 Abstain therefore from those evil 
herbs which Jesus Christ does not dress ; 
because such are not the plantation of 
the Father. Not that 1 have found any 
division among you, but rather all man- 
ner of m purity. 

8 For as many as are of God, and of 
Jesus Christ, are also with their bishop. 
And as many as shall with repentance 
return into the unity of the church, even 
these shall also be the servants of God, 
that they may live according to Jesus 
Christ. 

9 Be not deceived, brethren : if any 
one follows him that makes a schism in 
the church, he shall not inherit the king- 
dom of God. If any one walks after any 
other opinion he agrees not with the pas- 
sion of Christ. 

10 Wherefore let it be your endeavour 
to partake all of the same holy eucharist. 

11 For there is but one flesh of our 
Lord Jesus Christ ; and one cup in the 
unity of his blood ; one altar ; 

12 As also there is one bishop, togeth- 
er with his presbytery, and the deacons 
my fellow- servants: that so whatsoever 
ye do, ye may do it according to the will 
of God. 

CHAP. II. 

Desires their prayers, and to be united, but not to 
Judaize. 

MY brethren, the love I have towards 
you makes me the ■ more large ; 
and having a great joy in you, I endeavour 
to secure you against danger : or rather 
not I, but Jesus Christ ; in whom being 
bound I the more fear, as being yet only 
° on the way to suffering. 

2 But your prayer to God shall make 
me perfect, that I may attain to that por- 
tion, which by God's mercy is allotted to 
me ; fleeing to the Gospel as to the flesh 
of Christ ; and to the Apostles as to the 
presbytery of the church. 

3 Let us also love the prophets, for as 



k Vid. Vossii Annot. in loc. 1 Evil, m Cleanness 
made by sifting, n Very much poured out. o Vid. 
Voss. in loc. Imperfect. 



much as they also have p led us to the 
Gospel, and to hope in ^ Christ, and to ex- 
pect him. 

4 In whom also believing they were 
saved, in the unity of Jesus Christ ; be- 
ing holy men, worthy to be loved, and 
had in wonder ; 

5 Who have received testimony from 
Jesus Christ, and are numbered in the 
Gospel of our common hope. 

6 But if any one shall preach r the 
Jewish law unto you, hearken not unto 
him : for it is better to receive the doc- 
trine of Christ from one that has been 
circumcised, than Judaism from one that 
has not. 

7 But if either the one, or other, do 
not speak concerning Christ Jesus ; they 
seem to me but as monuments and sepul- 
chres of the dead, upon which are writ- 
ten only the names of men. 

8 Flee therefore the wicked arts and 
snares of the prince of this world; lest 
at any time being oppressed by his dun- 
ning, ye grow t cold in your charity 
But come all together into the same place, 
with an undivided heart. 

9 And I bless my God that I have a 
good conscience towards you, and that 
no one among you has whereof to boast 
either openly or privately, that I have 
been burthensome to him in much or 
little. 

1 And I wish to all among whom I 
have conversed, that it may turn to a 
witness against them. 

11 For although some would have de- 
ceived me according to the flesh ; yet the 
spirit being from God, is not deceived : 
for it knows both whence it comes, and 
whither it goes, and reproves the secrets 
of the heart. 

12 I cried whilst I was among you; 
I spake with a loud voice ; attend to the 
bishop, and to the presbytery, and to the 
deacons. 

13 Now some supposed that I spake 
this as foreseeing the division "that 
should come among you. 

14 But he is my witness for whose 
sake I am in bonds that I knew nothing 
from any u man. But the spirit spake, 
saying on this wise ; Do nothing without 
the bishop : 

1 5 Keep your v bodies as the temples 

p Or preached of the Gospel ; and hoped in him, 
and expected him. q Vid. Voss. in loc. r Juda- 
ism. 9 Opinion : council. t VVeak. u Of some, 
v Flesh. 

117 



On the person 



PHILADELPHIANS. 



of Christ 



of God : Love unity : Flee divisions : Be 
the followers of Christ, as he was of his 
Father. 

16 1 therefore did as became me, as a 
man composed to unity. Foi where 
there is division and wrath, God dwelleth 
not. 

17 But the Lord forgives all that re- 
pent, if they w return to the unity of God, 
and to the council of the bishop. 

18 For I trust in the grace of Jesus 
Christ x that he will free you from every 
bond. 

19 Nevertheless I exhort you that you 
do nothing out of strife, but according to 
the instruction of Christ. 

20 Because I have heard of some who 
say ; Unless 1 find it written in the y orig- 
inals, I will not believe it to be written 
in the Gospel. And when I said, It is 
written : they answered what lay before 
them in their corrupted copies. 

21 But to me Jesus Christ is instead of 
all the uncorrupted monuments in the 
world: together with those Mindefiled 
monuments, his cross, and death, and res- 
urrection, and the faith which is by him : 
by which I desire through your prayers 
to be justified. 

22 fi The priests indeed are good : but 
much better is the High Priest to whom 
the Holy of Holies has been committed ; 
and who alone has been entrusted with 
the secrets of God. 

23 He is the door of the Father ; by 
which Abraham, and Isaac and Jacob, 
and all the prophets enter in ; as well as 
the Apostles and the church. 

24 And all these things tend to the 
unity which is of God. Howbeit the 
Gospel has somewhat in it far above all 
other dispensations ; namely, the appear- 
ance of our Saviour, the Lord Jesus 
Christ, his passion and resurrection. 

25 For the beloved prophets referred 
to him : but the Gospel is the perfection 
of incorruption. All therefore together 
are good, if ye believe with charity. 



" Repent, x Who will loose from you. y Arch- 
ives. Vid. Voss. Annot. in loc. z Untouched. 

118 



CHAP. III. 

Informs them he had heard that the persecution 
was stopped at Antioch ; and directs them to 
send a messenger thither, to congratulate with 
the church. 

NOW as concerning the church of 
Antioch which is in Syria, seeing 
I am told that through your prayers, and 
the bowels which ye have towards it in 
Jesus Christ, it is in peace ; it will be- 
come you, as the church of God, to or- 
dain some a deacon to go to them thither 
as the ambassador of God ; that he may 
rejoice with them when they meet togeth- 
er, and glorify God's name. 

2 Blessed be that man in Jesus Christ, 
who shall be found worthy of such a 
ministry ; and ye yourselves also shall be 
glorified. 

3 Now if ye be willing, it is not im- 
possible for you to do this for the sake 
of God ; as also the other neighbouring 
churches have sent them, some bishops, 
some priests and deacons. 

4 As concerning Philo the deacon of 
Cilicia, a most worthy b man, he still min- 
isters unto me in the word of Gcd ; to- 
gether with Rheus of c Agathopolis, a 
singular good person, who has followed 
me even from Syria, not regarding his 
life : These also bear witness unto you. 

5 And I myself give thanks to God for 
you, that ye receive them as the Lord 
shall receive you. But for those that 
dishonoured them, may they be forgiven 
through the grace of Jesus Christ. 

6 The charity of the brethren that are 
at Troas salutes you : from whence also 
I now write by Burrhus, who was sent 
together with me by those of Ephesus 
and Smyrna, for respect sake. 

7 May our Lord Jesus Christ honour 
them ; in whom they hope, both in flesh, 
and soul, and spirit ; in faith, in love, in 
unity. Farewell in Christ Jesus our com- 
mon hope. 



a Messenger or minister. b Vossius, a martyr or 
confessor. Vid. Annot. in loc. c Vid. Vossius An- 
not in Ep. ad Smfrn. p. 261. See chap, iii, ver. 11 



tlxhorts against 



SMYRNiEANS. 



heretics. 



The EPISTLE of IGNATIUS to the SMYRNiEANS. 



CHAP. I. 

1 Declares his joy for their firmness in the Gos- 
pel. 4 Enlarges on the person of Christ, against 
such as pretend that Christ did not really sutler. 

IGNATIUS, who is also called Theo- 
phorus, to the church of God the Fa- 
ther, and of the beloved Jesus Christ ; 
which God hath mercifully a blessed with 
every good gift; being filled with faith 
and charity, so that it is wanting in no 
gift; most worthy of God, and fruitful 
in saints ; the church which is at Smyr- 
na in Asia ; all joy, through his immac- 
ulate spirit, and the word of God. 

2 I glorify God, even Jesus Christ, 
who has given you such wisdom. 

3 For I have observed that you are 
settled in an immoveable faith, as if you 
were nailed to the cross of our Lord Je- 
sus Christ, both in the flesh and in the 
spirit ; and are confirmed in love through 
the blood of Christ; being fully persua- 
ded of those things which i elate b unto 
our Lord. 

4 Who truly was of the race of David 
according to the flesh, but the Son of 
God according to the will and power of 
God : truly born of the Virgin, and bap- 
tized of John ; that so c all righteousness 
might be fulfilled by him; 

5 He was also truly crucified by Pon- 
tius Pilate, and Herod the Tetrarch, be- 
ing nailed for us in the flesh ; by the 
fruits of which we are, even by his most 
blessed passion ; 

6 That he might set d up a token for 
all ages through his resurrection, to all 
his holy and faithful servants, whether 
they be Jews or Gentiles in one body of 
his church. 

7 Now all these things he suffered for 
us, that we might be saved. And he 
suffered truly, as he also truly raised up 
himself. And not, as some unbelievers 
say, that he only seemed to suffer, they 
themselves only seeming to be. e 

8 And as they believe so shall it hap- 
pen unto them ; when being divested of 
the body they shall f become mere spirits. 

9 But I know that even after his res- 



a Comp. 1 Cor. i. 5, 7. b Unto the Lord, c Matt, 
iii. 15. d Vid. Voss. Annot. in loc. e i. e. Chris- 
tians, f Incorporeal and dwmoniac. 



urrection he was in the flesh ; and I be- 
lieve that he is still so. 

1 And when he came to those who 
were with Peter, he said unto them, 
Take, handle me, and see that I am not 
an incorporeal daemon. And straight- 
way they felt and believed ; being con- 
vinced both by his flesh and spirit. 

11 For this cause they despised death, 
and were found to be above h it. 

12 But after his resurrection he did 
eat and drink with them, as he was flesh ; 
although as to his Spirit he was united 
to the Father. 

CHAP. II. 

1 Exhorts them against heritics. 8 The danger of 
their doctrine. 

NOW these things, beloved, 1 > put 
you in mind of, not questioning 
but that you yourselves also k believe 
that they are so. 

2 But I arm you before -band against 
certain beasts in the shape of men ; 
whom you must not only not receive, 
but if it be possible must not meet with. 

3 Only you must pray for them, that 
if it be the will of God they may repent ; 
which yet will be very hard. But of this 
our Lord Jesus Christ has the power, 
who is our true life. 

4 For if all these things were done on- 
ly in shew by our Lord, then do I also 
seem to be bound : 

5 And why have I given up myself to 
death, and to the fire, to the sword, to 
wild beasts ? 

6 But now the nearer I am to the 
sword, the nearer am 1 to God : when 1 
shall come among the wild beasts, I shall 
come to God. 

7 Only in the name of Jesus Christ, 1 
undergo ail, to suffer together with him ; 
he who was made a perfect man strength- 
ening me. 

8 Whom some, not knowing, do de- 
ny ; or rather have been denied by him, 
being the advocates of death, rather than 
of the truth. Whom neither of the 
prophecies, nor the law of Moses have 
persuaded ; nor the Gospel itself even to 



? Ex. Evang. Sec. Hebr. See Dr. Grabe Spicileg. 
torn. ii. p. 25. h Death, i Admonish, k Have so, 

119 



Dangers of 

this day, nor the sufferings of every one 
of us. 

9 For they think also the same things 
of us. For what does a man profit me, 
if he shall praise me, and blaspheme 
my Lord; not confessing that he 'was 
truly made man. 

10 Now he that doth not say this, 
does in effect deny him, and is in death. 
But for the names of such as do this, 
they being unbelievers, I thought it not 
fitting to write them unto you. 

11 Yea. God forbid that I should 
make any mention of them, till they shall 
repent to a true belief of Christ's passion, 
which is our resurrection. 

12 Let no man deceive himself; both 
the things which are in heaven, and the 
glorious angels, and princes, whether vis- 
ible or invisible, if they believe not in the 
blood of Christ m it shall be to them to 
condemnation. 

13 n He that is able to receive this, let 
him receive it. Let no man's place ° or 
state in the world puff him up : that 
which is worth all is faith and charity, 
to which nothing is to be preferred. 

1 4 But consider those who are of a 
different opinion from us, as to what con- 
cerns the grace of Jesus Christ which is 
come unto us, how contrary they are to 
the design of God. 

1 5 They have no regard to charity, no 
care of the widow, the fatherless and the 
oppressed ; of the bond or free, of the 
hungry or thirsty. 

16 They abstain from the eucharist, 
and from p the public offices ; because they 
confess not the eucharist to be the flesh of 
our Saviour Jesus Christ ; which suffer- 
ed for our sins, and which the Father of 
his goodness raised again from the dead. 

17 And for this cause contradicting the 
gift of God, they die in their disputes : 
( ) but much better would it be for them to 
r receive it, that they might one day rise 
through it. 

18 It will therefore become you to ab- 
stain from such persons ; and not to 
speak with them neither in private nor 
in public. 

19 But to hearken to the prophets, and 
especially to the Gospel, in which both 
Christ's passion is manifested unto us, 
and his resurrection perfectly declared. 



SMYRNiEANS. heresy. 

20 But flee all divisions as the begin 
ning of evils. 

CHAP. III. 

1 Exhorts them to follow their bishop and pas- 
tors ; but especially their bishop. G Thanks them 
for their kindnesses, 11 and acquaints them with 
the ceasing of the persecutions at Antioch. 

SEE that ye all follow your bishop, 
as Jesus Christ, the Father : and the 
presbytery, as the Apostles. And rever- 
ence the deacons, as the command of 
God. 

2 Let no man do anything of what 
belongs to the church separately from the 
bishop. 

3 Let that eucharist be looked upon as 
well established, which is either offered 
by the bishop, or by him to whom the 
bishop has given his consent. 

4 Wheresoever the bishop shall ap- 
pear, there let the s people also be : as 
where Jesus Christ is, there is the Cath- 
olic church. 

5 It is not lawful without the bishop, 
neither to baptize, nor t to celebrate the 
Holy Communion : but whatsoever he 
shall approve of, that is also pleasing un- 
to God ; that so whatever is done, may 
be sure and well done. 

6 For what remains, it is very reason- 
able that we should u repent whilst there 
is yet time to return unto God. 

7 It is a good thing to have a due re- 
gard both to God, and to the bishop: he 
that honours the bishop shall be honour- 
ed of God. But he that does any thing 
without his knowledge, v ministers unto 
the devil. 

8 Let all things therefore abound to 
you in charity ; seeing ye are worthy. 

9 Ye have refreshed me in all things ; 
so shall Jesus Christ you. Ye have lov- 
ed me both when 1 was present with you, 
and now being absent, ye cease not to do 
so. 

10 May God be your reward, for 
whom whilst ye undergo all things, ye 
shall attain unto him. 

11 Ye have done well in that ye have 
received Philo, and Rheus w Agathopus, 
who followed me x for the word of God, 
as the deacons of Christ our God. 

12 Who also give thanks unto the 
Lord forasmuch as ye have refreshed 



l Had true flesh, m it is. n Matt. xix. 12. ©Vid. 
Epist. Interpol, p Vid. Annot. Coteler. in loc. Or, 
fraysrs. q Vid. Coteler. Annot, r Love. 

120 



a Multitude, t Make a love-feast. « Return to a 
sound mind, v Does Worship. w Vid. Voss. An 
not. in loc. x Unto, 



On duty to 



POLYCARR 



the bishop 



them in all y things. z Nor shall any thing 
that you have done be lost to you. 

13 My soul be for yours, and my 
bonds which ye have not despised, nor 
been ashamed of. Wherefore neither 
shall Jesus Christ, our perfect faith, be 
ashamed of you. 

14 Your prayer is come to the church 
of Antioch which is in Syria. From 
whence being sent bound with chains be- 
coming God, I salute the b churches ; be- 
ing not worthy to be called c from thence 
as being the least among them. 

15 Nevertheless by the will of God I 
have been thought worthy of this hon- 
our ; not for that I think I have deserved 
it, but by the grace of God : 

16 Which I wish may be perfectly 
given unto me, that through your prayers 
I may attain unto God. 

1 7 And therefore that your work may 
be fully accomplished both upon earth 
and in heaven ; it will be fitting, and for 
the honour of God, d that your church 
appoint some worthy delegate, who being 
come as far as Syria, may rejoice togeth- 
er with them that they are in peace ; and 
that they are again restored to their for- 
mer e state, and have again received their 
proper body. 

18 Wherefore I should think it a wor- 
thy action, to send some one from you 
with an epistle, to congratulate with them 
their peace in God ; and that through 
your prayers, they have now gotten to 
their harbor. 

19 For in as much as ye are perfect 
yourselves, you ought to think those 



things that are perfect. For when you 
are desirous to do well, God is ready to 
f enable you thereunto. 

20 The love of the brethren that are at 
Troas salute you ; from whence I write 
to you by Burrhus whom ye sent with 
me, together with the Ephesians, your 
brethren ; and who has in all things re- 
freshed me. 

21 And I would to God that all would 
imitate him, as being a pattern of the 
ministry of God. May his grace fully 
reward him. 

22 I salute your very worthy bishop, 
[ and your venerable presbytery ; and your 
f deacons, my fellow-servants ; and all of 
j you in general, and every one in particu- 
lar, in the name of Jesus Christ and in 
his flesh and blood ; in his passion and 
resurrection both fleshly and spiritually ; 
and in & the unity of God h with you. 

23 Grace be with you, and mercy, and 
peace and patience, for evermore. 

24 I salute the families of my breth- 
ren, with their wives and children ; and 
the ■ virgins that are called widows. Be 
strong in the power of the Holy Ghost. 
Philo, who is present with me, salutes 
you. 

25 I salute the house of Tavias, and 
pray that it may be strengthened h\ faith 
and charity, both of flesh and spirit. 

36 I salute Alee my well beloved, k to- 
gether with the incomparable Daphnus, 
and Eutechnus, and all by name. 

27 Farewell in the grace of God. 

1TTo the S my r means from Troas. 



The EPISTLE of IGNATIUS to POLYCARP. 



CHAP. I. 

Blesses God for the firm establishment of Polycarp 
in the faith, and gives him particular directions 
for improving it. 

GNATIUS, who is also called Theo- 
phorus, to Polycarp, bishop of the 



yWays. z Vid. Epist. Interpol, a Spirit. bAU 
the. c j. e . The bishop of that church, d Vid. Voss. 
Annot. in loc. e Bulk : greatness. f Help you 
g Vid. Voss. Annot. in loc. h And. i i. e. The dea- 
conesses. See for the reason of this name, Voss. 
Annot. in loc. Add. Coteler. ib. k See Voss. An- 
not. ex Epist. Interpol. 



church a which is at Smyrna, their over- 
seer, but rather himself overlooked by 
God the Father, and the Lord Jesus 
Christ ; all happiness. 

2 Having known that my mind to- 
wards God is iixedas jtwere upon an im- 
moveable rock ; I exceedingly give thanks 
that I have been thought worthy to be- 
hold thy b blessed face" in which may I 
always rejoice in God. 



* Of the Smyrnaeans. 



b Innocent. 

121 



Ignatius exhorts 



POLYCARP. 



Polycarp. 



3 Wherefore I beseech thee by the 
Grace of God with which thou art cloath- 
ed, to press forward in thy course, and to 
exhort ail others that they may be saved. 

4 Maintain thy place with all care, 
c both of flesh and spirit : Make it thy 
endeavor to preserve unity, than which 
nothing is better. Bear with all men, 
even as the Lord with thee. 

5 Support all in love, as also thou 
dost. d Pray without ceasing : ask more 
understanding than what thou already 
hast. Be watchful, having thy spirit al- 
ways awake. 

6 Speak to every one e according as 
God shall enable thee. Bear the infir- 
mities of all, as a perfect combatant : 
where the labour is great, the gain s is the 
more. 

7 If thou shalt love the good disciples, 
what thank is it? But rather do thou 
subject to thee those that are mischievous, 
in meekness. 

8 Every wound is not healed with the 
same plaister; if the accessions of the 
disease be vehement, mollify them with 
h soft remedies : be in all ' things wise as 
a serpent, but harmless as a dove. 

9 For this cause thou art composed of 
flesh and spirit ; that thou mayest mollify 
those things that appear before thy face. 

10 And as for those that are not seen, 
pray to God that he would reveal them 
unto thee, that so thou mayest be want- 
ing in nothing, but mayest abound in ev- 
ery gift. 

1 1 The times demand thee, as the pilots 
the winds ; and he that is tossed in a tem- 
pest, the haven where he would be ; that 
thou mayest attain unto God. 

12 Be sober, as the combatant of God : 
k the crown proposed to thee is immortal- 
ity, and eternal life ; concerning which 
thou art also fully persuaded. I will be 
thy surety in all things, and my bonds 
which thou hast loved. 

1 3 Let not those that seem worthy of 
credit, but teach other doctrines, J * disturb 
thee. Stand firm and immoveable, as an 
anvil when it is beaten upon. 

14 It is the part of a brave combatant, 
to be m wounded, and yet overcome. But 
especially we ought to endure all things 
for God's sake, that he may bear with us. 



cVid. 1 Cor. vii. 34. d Be at leisure to, &c. e Vid. 
Voss. in loc. aliter Vet. Lat. Interp. f The diseas- 
es, g Is much. h Supervisions. i Matt. x. 16. 
b Vid. Voss. Annot. in loc. Collat. cum Coteler. ib. 
1 Amaze thee, m Beaten. 

122 



15 Be every day "better than other: 
consider the times ; and expect him, who 
is above all time, eternal, invisible, though 
for our sakes made visible : impalpaple, 
and impassable, yet for us subjected to 
sufferings ; enduring all manner of ways 
for our salvation. 

CHAP. II. 

1 Continues his advice, 6 and teaches him how to 
advise others. 12 Inforces unity and subjection to 
the bishop. 

LET not the widows be neglected : 
be thou after God, their guardian. 

2 Let nothing be done without thy 
knowledge and consent : neither do thou 
anything but according to the will of God ; 
as also thou dost, ° with all constancy. 

3 Let your assemblies be more full : in- 
quire into all by name. 

4 Overlook not the men and maid ser- 
vants ; neither let them be puffed up ; 
but rather let them be the more subject to 
the glory of God, that they may obtain 
from him a better liberty. 

5 Let them not desire to p be set free 
at the public cost, that they be not slaves 
to their own lusts. 

6 Flee evil «r arts : or rather, make not 
any mention of them. 

7 Say to my sisters, that they love the 
Lord; and be satisfied with their own 
husbands, both in the flesh and spirit. 

8 In like manner, exhort my brethren 
in the name of Jesus Christ, that they 
love their wives even as the Lord the 
church. 

9 If any man can remain in a virgin 
state, r to the honour of the flesh Christ, 
let him remain without boasting : but if 
he boast he is undone. And if he desire 
to be more taken notice of than the bish- 
op, he is corrupted. 

10 But it becomes all such as are mar- 
ried, whether men or women, to come 
together with the consent of the bishop, 
that so their marriage may be according 
to godliness, and not in lust. 

11 Let all things be done to the hon- 
our of God. 

12 8 Hearken unto the bishop, that 
God also may hearken unto you. My 
soul be security for them that submit to 
their bishop, with their presbyters and 



n More studious, diligent. o Being well settled. 
P Vid. Annot. Coteler. in loc. q Or, trades, r Vid. 
Annot. Vossii et Coteler. in loc. s Observe, from the 
foregoing verses, that Ignatius speaks not here to 
Polycarp, but through him to the Church of Smyrna. 



Desires to greet 



PHILIPPIANS. 



the churches. 



deacons. And may my portion be to- 
gether with theirs in God. 

13 Labour with one another; contend 
together, run together, suffer together; 
sleep together, and rise together ; as the 
stewards, and assessors, and ministers of 
God. 

14 Please him under whom ye war; 
and from whom ye receive your wages. 
Let none of you be found a deserter ; but 
let your baptism remain, as your arms ; 
your faith, as your helmet ; your charity, 
as your spear ; your patience, as your 
whole armour. 

15 Let your works be your t charge, 
that so you may receive a suitable reward. 
Be long suffering therefore towards each 
other in meekness ; as God is towards 
you. 

16 Let me have joy of you in all 
things. 

CHAP. III. 

1 Greets Polycarp on the peace of the church at 
Antioch : 2 and desires him to write to that and 
other churches. 

NOW forasmuch as the church of 
Antioch in Syria is, u as I am told, 
in peace through your prayers ; I also 
have been the more comforted v and with- 
out care in God ; if so be that by suffer- 
ing, I shall attain unto God ; that through 
your prayers I may be found a disciple 
of Christ. 

2 It will be very fit, most worthy 
Polycarp, to call a w select council, and 
choose some one whom ye particularly 
love, and who is patient of labour ; that 
he may be the messenger of God : and 
that going unto Syria, he may glorify 



your incessant love to the praise of 
Christ. 

3 A Christian has not the power of 
himself ; but must be always at leisure 
for God's service. Now this work is 
both God's and yours; when ye shall 
have perfected it. 

4 For I trust through the grace of 
God that ye are ready to every good 
work that is fitting for you in the Lord. 

5 Knowing therefore your earnest af- 
fection to the truth, I have exhorted you 
by x these short letters. 

6 But forasmuch as 1 have not been 
able to write to all the churches, because 
I must suddenly sail from Troas to Ne- 
apolis ; (for so is the command of those 
to whose pleasure I am subject ;) do you 
write to the churches that are near you, 
as being instructed in the will of God, 
that they also may do in like manner. 

7 Let those that are able send y mes- 
sengers ; and let the rest send their let- 
ters by those who shall be sent by you ; 
that you may be glorified l to all eterni- 
ty, of which you are worthy. 

8 I salute all by name ; particularly 
the wife of Epitropus, with all her house 
and children. I salute Attalus my well- 
beloved. 

9 1 salute him, who shall be thought 
worthy to be sent by you into Syria. 
Let grace be ever with him, a and with 
Polycarp who sends him. 

10 I wish you all happiness in our 
God, Jesus Christ ; in whom continue, 
in the unity and protection of God. 

11 I salute Alee my well-beloved. 
Farewell in the Lord. 



The EPISTLE of POLYCARP to the PHILIPPIANS. 

[The genuineness of this Epistle is controverted, but implicitly believed by Archbishop Wake, whose trans- 
lation is below. There is also a translation by Dr. Cave, attached to his life of Polycarp.] 



CHAP. 1. 

Commends the Philippians for their respect to those 
who suffered for the Gospel ; and for their own 
faith. 

t That which is committed to your custody, to 
I keep secure. u It has been manifested unto "me. 
v In the security of God. w Most becoming God. 
x Viz. To the Smyrnaeans, and this to himself. See 
Pearson in loc. V Footmen. z Vid. Voss. in loc. 
In the Eternal work, o Ex. Vet. Interp. Vid. Voss. 
Annot. 



POLYCARP, and the presbyters that 
are with him, to the church of God 
which a is at Philippi ; mercy unto you, 
and peace from God Almighty; and the 
Lord Jesus Christ, our Saviour, be mul- 
tiplied. 

2 I rejoiced great] y with you in our 
Lord Jesus Christ, that ye received the 



a Sojourneth. 



123 



Commends the 



PHILIPPIANS. 



Phitippians. 



images of a true love, and accompanied, 
as it behoved you, those who were in 
bonds, becoming saints; which are the 
crowns of such as are truly chosen by 
God and our Lord : 

3 As also that the b root of the faith 
which was preached from ancient times, 
remains firm in you to this day; and 
brings forth fruit to our Lord Jesus Christ, 
who suffered himself to be brought even 
to the death for our sins. 

4 c Whom God hath raised up, having 
loosed the pains of death. d Whom hav- 
ing not seen, ye love : in whom though 
now ye see him not, yet believing, ye 
rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of 
glory. 

5 Into which many desire to enter ; 
e knowing that by grace ye are saved; 
not by works, but by the will of God, 
through Jesus Christ. 

6 f Wherefore girding up the loins of 
your minds ; s serve the Lord with fear, 
and in truth : laying aside all empty and 
vain speech, and the error of many; h be- 
lieving in him that raised up our Lord 
Jesus Christ from the dead, and hath 
given him glory and a throne at his right 
hand. 

7 To whom all things are made sub- 
ject, i both that are in heaven, and that 
are in earth ; whom every k living crea- 
ture shall worship ; who shall come to 
be the judge of the quick and dead : 
whose blood God shall require of them 
that believe not in him. 

8 But he that raised up l Christ from 
the dead, shall also raise up us in like 
manner, if we do his will and walk 
m according to his commandments ; and 
love those things which he loved : 

9 Abstaining from all "unrighteous- 
ness; ° inordinate affection, and love of 
money ; from evil-speaking ; fal se- wit- 
ness ; not rendering evil for evil, or rail- 
ing for railing, or striking for striking, or 
cursing for cursing. 

10 But remembering what the Lord 
has v taught us saying, Judge not, and 
ye shall not be judged ; forgive and ye 
shall be forgiven; be ye merciful, and 
ye shall obtain mercy ; for with the same 
measure that ye mete withal, it shall be 
measured to you again. 



b Firm root remains in you. c Acts ii. 24. d 1 
Pet. i. 8. e Eph. ii. 8. f 1 Pet. i. 13. g Psalm ii. 
11. hi Pet. i. 21. i Phil. ii. JO. k Breath. lHim. 
m In. n Injustice o Eph. iv. 19. Coloss. iii. 5. 
1 Pet. iii. 9. P Said to us, Teaching. Luke vi. 37. 
Matt. vii. 1. 

124 



1 1 And again, that <i blessed are the 
poor, and that they are persecuted for 
righteousness sake; for theirs is the 
kingdom of God. 

CHAP. IT. 

1 Exhorts to Faith, Hope, and Charity. 5 Against 
covetousness, and as to the duties of husbands, 
wives, widows, 9 deacons, young men, virgins, 
and presbyters. 

FTHHESE things, my brethren, I took 
A not the liberty of myself to write 
unto you concerning righteousness, but 
you yourselves before encouraged me 
to it. 

2 For neither can I, nor any other 
such as I am, come up to the wisdom of 
the blessed and renowned Paul ; who 
being himself in person with those who 
then lived, did with all exactness and 
soundness teach the word ■ of truth ; and 
being gone from you wrote an 9 epistle 
to you. 

3 Into which if you look, you will be 
able to edify yourselves in the faith that 
has been delivered unto you; which is 
the mother of us all ; being followed 
with hope, and led on by a general love, 
both towards God and towards Christ, 
and towards our neighbour. 

4 For if any man l has these things, 
he has fulfilled the law of righteousness : 
for he that has charity is far from all sin. 

5 But the love of money is the u root 
of all evil. Knowing therefore that as 
we brought nothing into this world, so 
neither may we carry anything out ; let 
us v arm ourselves with the armour of 
righteousness. 

6 And teach ourselves first to walk 
according to the commandments of the 
Lord ; and then your wives to walk like- 
wise w according to the faith that is given 
to them ; in x charity and in purity ; lov- 
ing their own husbands with all y sinceri- 
ty, and all others alike with all temper- 
ance ; and to bring up their children in 
the instruction z and fear of the Lord. 

7 The widows likewise teach that they 
be sober as to what concerns the faith of 
the Lord : praying always for all men ; 
being far from all detraction, evil speak- 
ing, false-witness ; from covetousness, 
and from all evil. 

q Matt. v. 3, 10. Luke vi. 20. r Tlepi a\f}Bciag y 
concerning Truth. s Epistles. Vid. Annot. Cote- 
ler. in loc. t Be within, u Beginning of all troubles, 
or difficulties, xaA£7rwv. 1 Tim. vi. 7. ▼ Be armed 
win. x Love, y Truth, z Of the. 



Christian duties. 



PHILIPPIANS. 



Onfailh. 



8 Knowing that they are the altars of 
God, a who sees all blemishes, and from 
whom nothing is hid ; who searches out 
the very reasonings, and thoughts, and 
secrets of our hearts. 

9 II Knowing therefore that God is not 
mocked, we ought to walk worthy both 
of his command and of his glory. 

10 Also the deacons must be blame- 
less before b him, as the ministers of God 
in Christ, and not of men. Not false- 
accusers : not double-tongued ; not lov- 
ers of money ; but c moderate in all 
things; compassionate, careful; walking 
according to the truth of the Lord who 
was the servant of all. 

1 1 Whom if we please in this present 
world, we shall also be made partakers 
of that which is to come, according as he 
has promised to us, that he will raise us 
from the dead ; and that if we shall walk 
worthy of him, we shall also reign to- 
gether with him, if we believe. 

12 In like manner the younger men 
must be unblamable in all things : above 
all, take care of their purity, and to re- 
strain themselves from all evil. For it is 
good to be cut of] from the lusts that are 
in the world ; because every such d lust 
warreth against the spirit: eand neither 
fornicators, nor effeminate, nor abusers 
of themselves with mankind, shall inhe- 
rit the kingdom of- God ; nor they who 
do such things as are foolish and unrea- 
sonable. 

13 Wherefore ye must needs abstain 
from all these things ; being subject to 
the f priests and deacons, as unto God and 
Christ. 

14 The virgins admonish to walk in a 
spotless and pure conscience. 

15 And let the s elders be compassion- 
ate and merciful towards all ; h turning 
them from their errors ; seeking out those 
that are weak ; not forgetting the wid- 
ows, the fatherless, and the poor ; but 
always ' providing what is good both in 
the sight of God and man. 

16 Abstaining from all wrath, respect 
of persons, and unrighteous judgment : 
and especially being free from all covet- 
ousness. 

17 Not k easy to believe any thing 
against any ; not severe in judgment ; 
knowing that we are all debtors in point 
of sin. 



a And that he. k His righteousness, c Continent. 
d 1 Pet. ii. 11. el Cor. vi. 9, 10. f Elders. ? Pres- 
byters, h Ezek. xxxiv. 4. i Rom. xii. 17. * Swift- 
ly believing. 



18 If therefore we pray to the Lord 
that he would forgive us, we ought also 
to forgive others : for we are all in the 
sight of our Lord and God ; ' and must all 
stand before the judgment seat of Christ; 
and shall every one give an account m of 
himself. 

19 Let us therefore serve him in fear, 
and with all reverence as both himself 
hath commanded ; and as the Apostles 
who have preached the Gospel unto us, 
and the prophets who have foretold the 
coming of our Lord, have taught us. 

20 Being zealous of what is good ; ab- 
staining from all offence, and from false 
brethren ; and from those who bear the 
name of Christ in hypocrisy ; who de- 
ceive vain men. 

CHAP. III. 

1 As to faith in our Saviour Christ ; his nature and 
sufferings, the resurrection and judgment. 3 Ex- 
horts to prayer, 5 and steadfastness in the faith, 
from the examples of Christ, 7 and Apostles and 
saints, and exhorts to carefulness in all well doing. 

FOR n whosoever does not confess that 
Jesus Christ is come in the flesh, he 
is Antichrist : and whoever does not con- 
fess ° his suffering upon the cross, is from 
the devil. 

2 And whosoever perverts the oracles 
of the Lord to his own lusts ; and says 
that there shall neither be any resurrec- 
tion, nor judgment, he is the first born of 
Satan. 

3 Wherefore leaving the vanity of 
many, and their false doctrines ; let us re- 
turn to the word that was delivered to us 
from the beginning ; p Watching unto 
prayer ; and persevering in fasti nu: : 

4 With supplication beseeching the 
all-seeing God <i not to lead us into tempt- 
ation ; as the Lord hath said, r The spirit 
is willing, but the flesh is weak. 

5 Let us therefore without ceasing 
hold steadfastly to him who is our hope, 
and the earnest of our righteousness, even 
Jesus Christ ; 9 Who his own self bare 
our sins in his own body on the tree : 
who did no sin, neither was guile found 
in his mouth. But suffered all for us 
that we might live * through him. 

6 Let us therefore imitate his patience : 
and if we suffer for his name, let us glo- 
rify him ; for this example he has given 
us by himself, and so have we believed. 



1 Rom. xiv. 10. 2 Cor. v. 10. m For. n l John, 
iv. 3. »The martyrdom of the cross. p 1 Pet. iv. 
7. q Matt. vi. 13. r Matt. xxvi. 41. « 1 Pet. ii. 22, 
24. 1 1„ : 1 Pet. ii. 24, &c. 

125 



Exhorts against 



PHILIPP1ANS. 



covetousness* 



7 Wherefore I exhort all of you that 
ye obey the word of righteousness, and 
exercise all patience ; which ye have 
seen set forth before your eyes, not only 
in the blessed Ignatius and Zozimus, and 
Rufus ; but in others among yourselves ; 
and in Paul himself, and the rest of the 
Apostles : 

8 Being u confident of this, that all 
these have not run in vain, but in faith 
and righteousness; and are gone to the 
place that was due to them from the 
Lord, with whom also they suffered. 

9 For they loved not this present 
world ; but him who died and was raised 
again by God for us. 

10 Stand therefore in these things, and 
follow the example of the Lord ; being 
firm and immutable in the faith, lovers of 
the brotherhood, lovers of one another : 
v companions together in the truth, w be- 
ing kind and gentle towards each other, 
despising none. 

1 1 When it is in your power to do 
good defer it not, for charity delivereth 
from death. 

12 Be all of you subject one to anoth- 
er, * having your conversation y honest 
among the Gentiles ; that by your good 
works, both ye yourselves may receive 
praise, and the Lord may not z be blas- 
phemed through you. But wo be to him 
by whom the name of the Lord is blas- 
phemed. 

13 Therefore teach all men sobriety; 
in which do ye also exercise yourselves. 

CHAP. IV. 

Valens, a presbyter, having fallen into the sin of 
covetousness, he exhorts them against it. 

AM greatly afflicted for Valens, who 
was once a presbyter among you ; 
that he should so little understand the 
place that was given to him in the church. 
Wherefore I admonish you that ye ab- 
stain from a covetousness ; and that ye be 
chaste, and true of speech. 

2 b Keep yourselves from all evil. 
For he that in these things cannot govern 
himself, how shall he be able to prescribe 
them to another ? 

3 If a man does not keep himself from 
c covetousness, he shall be polluted with 

u Persuaded, v Associated in truth, w Yielding 
to each other the mildness of the Lord. Tobit xii. 9. 
x 1 Pet. ii. 12. yUnreprovable. z Rom. ii. 24. Ti- 
tus ii. 5. a Concupiscence : or, immoderate and filthy 
lusts. See Dr. Hammond on Rom. i. 29, i. bi 
Thess. v. 22. Eph. v. 5. Coloss. ii. 5. c As be- 
fore. Dr. Hammond on 1 Cor. v. 10, 1. 

126 



idolatry, and be judged as if he were a 
Gentile. 

4 But who of you are ignorant of the 
judgment of God? d Do we not know T 
that the saints shall judge the world, as 
Paul teaches? 

5 But I have neither perceived nor 
heard any thing of this kind in you, 
among whom the blessed e Paul labored ; 
and who are named in the beginning of 
his Epistle. 

6 For he glories of you in all the 
churches who then only knew God ; for 
we did not then know him. Wherefore, 
my brethren, lam exceedingly sorry both 
for him, and for his wife ; to whom God 
grant a true repentance. 

7 And be ye also moderate upon this 
occasion ; and look not upon such as en- 
emies, but call them back as suffering, 
and erring members, that ye may save 
your whole body : for by so doing, ye 
shall edify your own selves. 

8 For I trust that ye are well exercised 
in the Holy Scriptures, and that nothing 
is hid from you : but at present it is not 
granted unto me to practice that which is 
f written, Be angry and sin not ; and again, 
Let not the sun go down upon your 
wrath. 

9 Blessed is he that believe th and re- 
membereth these things; which also 1 
trust you do. 

10 Now the God and Father of our 
Lord Jesus Christ ; and he himself who 
is our everlasting high-priest, the Son of 
God, even Jesus Christ, build you up in 
faith and in truth, and in all meekness 
and lenity ; in patience and long suffer- 
ing, in forbearance and chastity : 

11 And grant unto you a lot and por- 
tion among his saints; and us with you, 
and to all that are under the heavens, 
who shall believe in our Lord Jesus 
Christ, and in his Father s who raised him 
from the dead. 

12 h Pray for all the saints : pray also 
for kings, and i all that are in authority : 
and for those who persecute you, and hate 
you, and for the enemies of the cross : 
that your fruit may be manifest in all ; 
and that ye may be perfect in k Christ. 

13 ] Ye wrote to me, both ye, and also 
Ignatius, that if any one went from hence 
into Syria, he should bring your letters 

(l 1 Cor. vi. 2. e Phil. i. f Said in these Scrip- 
tures. Psalm iv. 4. Eph. iv. 26- g Gal. i. 2. hi 
Tim. ii. 1, 2. i Powers and princes, k Him. I See 
Annot. TJsser. in loc. 



The visions 



I. HERMAS. 



of Hernias. 



with him ; which also I will take care of 
as soon as I shall have a convenient op- 
portunity ; either by myself, or him 
whom 1 shall send upon your account. 

1 4 The epistles of Ignatius which he 
wrote m unto us, together with what oth- 
ers of his have come to our hands, we 
have sent to you according to your or- 
der ; which are subjoined to this epistle : 

15 By which ye may be greatly profit- 
ed ; for they treat of faith and patience, 
and of all things that pertain to edifica- 
tion in n the Lord Jesus. 

16 H What you know certainly of Ig- 



natius, and those that are with him, sig- 
nify unto us. 

i7 IT These things that 1 have written 
unto you by Crescens, whom by this 
present epistle I have recommended to 
you, and do now again commend 

18 For he has had his conversation 
without blame among us ; and I suppose 
also with you. 

19 Ye will also have regard unto his 
sister when she shall come unto you. 

20 Be ye safe in the Lord Jesus 
Christ ; ° and in favour with all yours. 
Amen. 



THE SHEPHERD OF HERMAS. 



fThis book is thus entitled, because it was composed by Hermas, brother to Pius, bishop of Rome ; and be- 
cause the Angel, who bears the principal part in it, is represented in the form and habit of a Shepherd. 
Irenaeus quotes it under the very name of Scripture ; Origen thought it a most useful writing, and that 
it was divinely inspired ; Eusebius says, that, though it was not esteemed canonical, it was read pub- 
licly in the churches, which is corroborated by Jerome ; and Athanasius cites it, calls it a most useful 
work, and observes, that though it was not strictly canonical, the Fathers appointed it to be read for 
direction and confirmation in faith and piety. Jerome, notwithstanding this, and that he applauded it 
in his catalogue of writers, in his comments upon it afterwards, terms it apochryphal and foolish. Ter- 
tullian praised it when a Catholic, and abused it when a Montanist. Although Gelasius ranks it 
among the apochryphal books, it is found attached to some of the most ancient MS. of the New 
Testament, and Archbishop Wake, believing it the genuine work of an apostolic Father, preserves it to 
the English reader, by the following translation, in which he has rendered the books not only more ex- 
act, but in greater purity than they had before appeared. The archbishop procured Dr. Grabe to en- 
tirely collate the old Latin Version with an ancient MS. in the Lambeth library ; and the learned pre- 
late himself still further improved the whole from a multitude of fragments of the original Greek never 
before used lor that purpose.] 

The First Book of HERMAS, which is called his VISIONS. 



VISIOx\ T I. 

1 Against filthy and proud thoughts ; 20 also the 
neglect of Hermas in chastising his children. 

HE who bred me up sold a certain 
young maid of Rome ; whom 
when I saw many years after, I remem- 
bered her, and began to love her as a sis- 
ter. It happened some time afterwards 
that I saw her washing in the river Ty- 
ber ; and I reached out my hand unto 
her, and brought her out of the river : 

2 And when I saw her, I thought with 
myself, saying, How happy should I be 
if I had such a wife, both for beauty and 
manners. This T thought with myself ; 
nor did I think any thing more But not 
long after, as [ was walking, and musing 



m i. e. To himself, and to the church of Smyrna. 
nOur Lord. © His grace be with you all. Amen. 



on these thoughts, I began to honour this 
creature of God, thinking with myself 
how noble and beautiful she was. 

3 And when I had walked a little I 
fell asleep. And the Spirit caught me 
away, and carried me through a certain 
place towards the right hand, through 
which no man could pass. It was a 
place among rocks, very steep, and un- 
passable for water. 

4 When I was past this place, I came 
into a plain ; and there falling down up- 
on my knees, I began to pray unto the 
Lord, and to confess my sins. 

5 And as I was praying, the heaven 
was opened, and I saw the woman 
w T hich I had coveted, saluting me from 
heaven, and saying, Hermas, hail ! and 1 
looking upon her, answered, Lady, what 
dost thou do here ? She answered me, 

127 



Against filthy and 



I. HERMAS— VISION I. 



froud thoughts. 



a I am taken up hither to accuse thee of 
sm before the Lord 

6 Lady, said I, Wilt thou b convince 
me ■ No, said she : hut hear the words 
which I am about to speak uulo thee. 
God who dwelleth in heaven, and bath 
made all things out of nothing, and hath 
multiplied them for his holy church's 
sake, is angry with thee, hecause thou 
ha^t sinned against me. 

7 And [answering said unto her, Lady, 
if I liave sinned against thee, tell me 
where, or in what place, or when did I 
ever speak an unseemly or dishonest 
word unto thee ? 

8 Have I not always esteemed thee as 
a lady ! Have I not always reverenced 
thee as ;i sister? Why then dost thou 
imagine these wicked things against me? 

9 Then she, smiling upon me, said : 
The desire of naughtiness lias risen up 
in thy heart. Does it not seem to thee 
to be an Ml thing for a righteous man u> 
have an evil desire rise up in his heart ? 

10 It is indeed a, sin, and that a very 
great one, \o such a one ; for a righteous 
man tlunketh that which is righteous. 
An:l whilst he docs so, and walkelh up- 
rightly, he shall have the Lord in heaven 
favourable unto him in all his business. 

1 1 Bui as for those who think wick- 
edly in their hearts, they take to them- 
selves death and captivity: and espe- 
cially those who love this present world, 
and glory in their riches, and regard not 
the good things thai are to come; their 
souls wander up and down, and know 
not where to fix. 

12 Now this is the case of such as 
aie double-minded, who trust not in the 
L«>rd. and despise and neglect their own 
life. 

[3 Hut do thou pray unto the Lord, 
and he will heal thy sins, and the sins 
of thy whole house, and oi all his saints. 

1 1 11 As soon as she had spoken these 
Words the heavens were shut, and 1 re- 
mained utterly swallowed up with sad- 
ness and fear; and said within myself, 
if this he laid against me for sin, how 
can I he saved ? 

15 Or how shall I ever he ahle to en- 
treat the Lord for my many and great 
sin*? With what words shall I heseech 
him to he merciful unto me ? 



» In Ms. Lambeth. Prtccepta sum a Domino ut 

{ toccata Lira argnam: I am commanded of the 
Liord to reprove thee lor thy sins. . b in MS. Wilt 
thou accuse mo ? 
128 



16 As I was thinking over these 
things, and meditating in myself upon 
them, behold a chair was set over against 
me o( the whitest wool, as brightas snow. 

17 And there came an old woman in 
a bright garment, having a book in her 
hand, and sate alone, and saluted me, 
saying, c Hennas, hail ! And I being full 
of sorrow, and weeping, answered, Hail, 
Lady ! 

IS And she said unto me, Why art 
thou sad, Hernias, who wert wont to be 
patient, and modest, and always cheerful ? 
1 answered and said to her, Lady, a re- 
proach has been laid to my charge by an 
excellent woman, who tells me that L 
have sinned against her. 

19 She replied, Far be any such thing 
from the servant of God. But it may 
be the desire of her lias risen up in thy 
hear! ? For indeed such a thought mak- 
eth the servants of God guilty of sin; 

20 Nor ought such a detestable thought 
to be in the servant of God ; nor should 
he who is approved by the Spirit desire 
that which is evil; but especially IJer- 
mas, who contains himself from all 
wicked lusts, and is full of all simplicity, 
and of great innocence. 

21 1! Nevertheless the Lord is not so 
much angry with thee for thine own 
sake, as upon the account of thy house, 
which has committed wickedness against 
the Lord, and against their parents. 

22 And for that out of thy fondness 
Iowa ids thy sons, thou hast not admon- 
ished thy house, hut hast pcrmilted them 
to live wickedly ; for this cause the 
Lord is angry with thee : but he will heal 
all the evils that are done in thy house. 
For through their sins and iniquities, thou 
art wholly consumed in secular atlairs. 

23 But Dow the mercy of God hath 
taken compassion upon thee, and upon 
thine house, and hath (i greatly comforted 
thee. Only as for thee, do not wander, 
hut he of an even mind, and comfort thy 
house. 

24 As the workman bringing forth his 
work, oilers it to whomsoever he pleases ; 
so shall thou by teaching everyday what 
is just, cut off' a great sin. Wherefore 
cease not to admonish thy sons, for the 
Lord knows that they will repent with 
all their heart, e and they shall he written 
in the hook of life. 

i- \ HI. Hii-ron. in Uoseain, vii. 9. d In Glory. 

Edit. Oxon. Hath preserved, thee in honor. e So 
MS. Luinb Et liescribentur in librovitJB. 



I. HERMAS— VISION II. 



On neglecting to 



25 And when she had said this, she 
added unto me ; wilt thou hear me read ? 
I answered her, Lady, I will. 

26 Hear then, said she; and opening 
the book she read, gloriously, greatly, 
and wonderfully such things as I could 
not keep in my memory. For there were 
terrible words, such as no man could bear. 

27 Howbeit I committed her last 
words to my remembrance ; for they 
were but few, and of great use to us. 

28 Behold the mighty Lord, who by 
his invisible power, and with his excellent 
wisdom made the world, and by his glo- 
rious counsel beautified his creature, and 
with the word of his strength fixed the 
heaven, and founded the earth upon the 
Avaters ; and by his powerful virtue es- 
tablished his Holy Church, which he hath 
blessed. 

29 Behold, he will remove the heavens, 
and the mountains, the hills, and the seas; 
and all things shall he made plain for his 
elect ; that he may render unto them the 
promise which he has promised, with 
much honor and joy ; if so be that they 
shall keep the commandments of God, 
which they have received with great 
faith. 

30 % And when she had made an end 
of leading, she rose out of the chair ; 
and behold four young men came and 
carried the chair to the east. 

31 And she called me unto her, and 
touched my breast, and said unto me, Did 
my reading please thee? I answered, 
Lady, these last things please me ; but 
what went before was severe and hard. 

32 She said unto me, These last things 
are for f the righteous, but the foregoing 
for the revolters and heathen. 

33 And as she was talking with me, 
two men appeared, and took her upon 
their shoulders, and went to the east, 
where the chair was. 

34 And she went cheerfully away; 
and as she was going, said unto me, Her- 
mas, be of good cheer. 

VISION II. 

Again, of Jus neglect in correcting his talkative 
wife ; and of his lewd sons.g 

AS I was on the way to Cuma, about 
the same time that I went the year 
before, I began to call to mind the vision 
I formerly had. And again the spirit 
carried me away, and brought me into 

f Edit. Oxon z Et ejus modo. 



chastise his children. 



the same place, in which I had been the 
year before. 

2 And when I was come into the place, 
I fell down upon my knees, and began to 
pray unto the Lord, and to glorify his name, 
that he had esteemed me worthy, and 
had manifested unto me my former sins. 

3 And when 1 arose from prayer, be- 
hold I saw over against me the old wo- 
man whom I had seen the last year, 
walking and reading in a certain book. 

4 And she said unto me, canst thou 
tell these things to the elect of God? I 
answered and said unlo her, Lady, 1 can- 
not retain so many things in my memory, 
but give me the book, and I will write 
them down. 

5 Take it, says she, and see that thou 
restore it again to me. 

6 As soon as I had received it, I went 
aside into a certain place of the field, and 
transcribed every letter, for I found no 
syllables. 

7 h And as soon as I had finished what 
was written in the book, the book was 
suddenly caught out of my hands, but by 
whom I saw not. 

8 11 After fifteen days, when I had 
fasted, and entreated the Lord with all 
earnestness, the knowledge of the writing 
was revealed unto me. Now the wri- 
ting was this : 

9 Thy seed, Hermas ! hath sinned 
against the Lord, and have betrayed their 
parents, through their great wickedness. 
And they have been called the betrayers of 
their parents, and have gone on in their 
treachery. 

10 And now have they added lewd- 
ness to their other sins, and the pollutions 
of naughtiness : thus have they filled up 
the measure of their iniquities. But do 
thou ■ upbraid thy sons with all these 
words ; and thy wife, which shall be 
thy sister ; and let her learn to refrain 
her tongue, with which she calumniates. 

11 For when she shall hear these 
things, she shall refrain herself, and shall 
obtain mercy. 

12 And k they shall be instructed, when 
thou shalt have reproached them with 
these words, which the Lord has com- 
manded to be revealed unto thee. 

13 Then shall their sins be forgiven 
which they have heretofore committed, 
and the sins of all the saints, who have 



h Clem. Alex. Strom, vi. « Impropera. * So one 
MS. in Coteler. Edit. Oxon. And she, &c. 

12^ . 



Of his neglect to 



I. HERMAS— VISION III. 



correct his children. 



sinned even unto this day ; if they shall 
repent with all their hearts, and remove 
a]l doubts out of their hearts. 

14 For the Lord hath sworn by his 
glory concerning his l elect, having deter- 
mined this very time, that if any one shall 
m even now sin, he shall not be saved. 

15 For the repentance of the righteous 
has its end : the days of repentance are 
fulfilled to all the saints; but to the 
heathen, there is repentance even unto 
the last day. 

16 Thou shalt therefore say to those 
who are over the church, that they order 
their ways in righteousness ; that they 
may fully receive the promise with much 
glory. 

17 Stand fast therefore ye that work 
righteousness ; and continue to do it, that 
your departure may be with the holy 
angels. 

18 Happy are ye, as many as shall 
endure the great trial that is at hand, and 
whosoever shall not deny his life. 

19 For the Lord hath sworn by his 
Son, that whoso denieth his Son and 
him, being afraid of his life, he will also 
deny him in the n world that is to come. 

20 But those who shall never deny 
him, he will of his exceeding great mer- 
cy be favourable unto them. 

21 IT But thou, Hermas ! remember 
not the b evils which thy sons have done, 
neither neglect thy sister, but take care 
that they amend of their former sins. 

22 For -they will be instructed by this 
doctrine, if thou shalt not be mindful of 
what they have done wickedly. 

23 For the remembrance of evils work- 
eth death ; but the forgetting of them, 
life eternal. 

24 But thou, Hermas ! hast under- 
gone a great many worldly troubles for 
the offences of thy house ; because thou 
hast neglected them, as things that did 
not belong unto thee, and thou art wholly 
taken up with thy great business. 

24 Nevertheless, for this, cause shalt 
thou be saved, that thou hast not depart- 
ed from the living God ; and thy simpli- 
city, and singular continency, shall pre- 
serve thee, if thou shalt continue in them. 

26 Yea. they shall save ail such as 
do such things, and walk in innocence 
and simplicity. 



1 Day. Praefinita ista die etiam nunc si pecca 
verit aliquis. Lat. m Shall sin after it. n Days 
that are coming, o Injuries. 

130 



27 They who are of this kind, shall 
prevail against all impiety, and continue 
unto life eternal. 

38 Happy are all they that do right- 
eousness, they shall not be consumed for 
ever. 

29 But thou wilt say, behold there is 
a great trial coming. If it seems good to 
thee, deny him again. 

30 The Lord is nigh to them that turn 
to him, as it is written in the books of 
p Heldam and Modal, who prophesied to 
the people of Israel in the wilderness. 

31 U Moreover, brethren, it was re- 
vealed to me, as I was sleeping, by a 
very goodly young man, saying unto me, 
What thinkest thou of that old woman 
from whom thou receivedst the book ? 
who is she ? I answered a Sybil. 

32 Thou art mistaken, said he, she is 
not. I replied, Who is she then, sir ? 
He answered me, it is the church of God. 

33 And I said unto him, Why then 
does she appear old ? She is therefore, 
said he, an old woman, because she was 
i the first of all the creation, and the world 
was made for her. 

34 After this I saw a vision at home 
in my own house, and the old woman 
whom I had seen before, came to me and 
asked me, whether I had yet ddjpered 
r her book to the elders of the cnurch ? 
And I answered, that I had not yet. 

35 She replied, Thou hast well done ; 
for I have certain words more to tell thee. 
But when 1 shall have finished all the 
words, they shall be clearly understood 
by the elect. 

36 ■ And thou shalt write two books, 
and send one to Clement, and one to 
Grapte. For Clement shall send it to 
the foreign cities, because it is permitted 
to him so to do : but Grapte shall admon- 
ish the widows and orphans. 

37 But thou shalt read in this city 
with the elders of the church. 

VISION III. 

Of the building of the church triumphant; and of 
the several sorts of reprobates. 

THE vision which I saw, brethren, 
was this. 
2 When 1 had often fasted and prayed 
unto the Lord, that he would manifest to 
me the revelation, which he had prom- 



P Eldud and Medad. Numb. xi. 26, 27. q See 
Dr. Grabe's Annot. to Bishop Bull's Def. Fid Nic 
?' 24 ,' f °J- de s ' Herm 3 . r Suum is added in th 
Lambeth MS. s Origen.Philocal. cap. 1. 



Of the church 



I. HERMAS— VISION III. 



ised by the old woman to show unto me ; 
the same night she appeared unto me, 
and said unto me, 

3 Because thou dost thus afflict thy- 
self, and art so desirous to know all 
things, come into the field where thou 
wilt, and about the sixth hour I will ap- 
pear unto thee, and show thee what thou 
must see. 

4 I asked her, saying ; Lady, into 
what part of the field ? She answered, 
Wherever thou wilt, only choose a good 
and a private place. And before I began 
to speak and to tell her the place, she 
said unto me, I will come where thou 
wilt. 

5 I was therefore, brethren, in the 
field, and I observed the hours, and came 
into the place where I had appointed her 
to come. 

6 And I beheld a bench placed ; it was 
a linen pillow, and over it spread a cov- 
ering of fine linen. 

7 When I saw these things ordered in 
this manner, and that there was no body 
in the place, 1 began to be astonished, 
and my hair stood on end, and a kind of 
horror seized me, for 1 was alone. 

8 Bat being come to myself, and cal- 
ling to mind the glory of God, and taking 
courage, I fell down upon my knees, and 
began again to confess my sins as before. 

9 And whilst I was doing this, the old 
wo./ian came thither with the six young 
men whom I had seen before, and stood 
behind me as I was praying, and heard 
me praying, and confessing my sins unto 
the Lord. 

10 And touching me, she said ; Leave 
off now now to pray only for thy sins ; 
pray also for righteousness, that thou 
mayest receive a part of her in thy house. 

11 And she lifted me up from the 
place, and took me by the hand, and 
brought me to the seat : and said to the 
young men, go and build. 

12 As soon as they were departed, 
and we were alone, she said unto me, 
Sit here. I answered her, Lady, let those 
who are elder sit first. She replied, Sit 
down as I bid you. 

13 And when I would have sate down 
on the right side, she suffered me not, 
but made a sign to me with her hand, 
that I should sit on the left 

14 As I was therefore musing, and 
full of sorrow, that she would not suffer 
me to sit on the right side, she said unto 
me, Hennas why art thou sad ? 



triumphant. 



15 The place which is on the right 
hand is theirs who have already attained 
unto God, and have suffered for his name 
sake. But there is yet a great deal remain- 
ing unto thee, before thou canst sit with 
them. 

16 But continue, as thou doest, in thy 
sincerity, and thou shalt sit with them ; 
as all others shall, that do their works, 
and shall bear what they have borne. 

17 H I said unto her, Lady, I would 
know what it is that they have suffered ? 
Hear then, said she : wild beasts, scourg- 
ings, imprisonments, and crosses for his 
name sake. 

18 For this cause the right hand of ho- 
liness belongs to them, and to all others 
as many as shall suffer for the name of 
God ; but the left belongs to the rest. 

19 Howbeit the gifts and the promises 
belong to both, to them on the right, and 
to those on the left hand ; only that sit- 
ting on the right hand they have some 
glory above the others. 

20 But thou art desirous to sit on the 
right hand with them; and yet thy* de- 
fects are many. But thou shalt be purged 
from thy defects : as also all who doubt 
not, shall be cleansed from all the sins 
which they have committed unto this 
day. 

21 And when she had said this, she 
would have departed ; 

22 Wherefore falling down before her 
feet, I began to intreat her, for t£(fe Lord's 
sake, that she would shew me the vision 
which she had promised. 

23 Then she agam. took me by the 
hand, and lifted me up, and made me sit 
upon the seat on the left side ; and hold- 
ing up a certain bright wand, said unto 
me, Seest thou that great thing ? I re- 
plied, Lady, I see nothing. 

24 She answered, Dost thou not see 
over against thee a great tower, which is 
built upon the waters with bright square 
stones ? 

25 For the tower was built ujoon a 
square by those six young men thaw^ame 
with her. 

26 But many thousands of other men 
brought stones : some drew them out of 
the deep ; others carried them from the 
ground, and gave them to the six young 
men. And they took them and built. 

27 As for those stones which were 
drawn out of the deep, they put them all 



t Lat. Exiguitates. 



131 



Of the church 



I. HERMAS— VISION III. 



triumphant, 



into the building ; for they were polished 
and their squares exactly answered one 
another, and so one was joined in such 
wise to the other, that there was no 
space to be seen where they joined ; in- 
somuch that the whole tower appeared 
to be built as it were of one stone. 

28 But as for the other stones that 
were taken off from the ground, some of 
them they rejected, others they fitted into 
the building. 

29 As for those which they rejected, 
some they cut out, and cast them at a 
distance from the tower ; but many others 
of them lay round about the tower, which 
they made no use of in the building. 

30 For some of these were rough, 
others had clefts in them ; others were 
white and round, not proper for the build- 
ing of the tower. 

31 But I saw the other stones cast afar 
off from the tower, and falling into the 
high-way, and yet not continuing in the 
way, but were rolled from the way into 
a desert place. 

32 Others I saw falling into the fire 
and burning ; others fell near the water, 
yet could not roll themselves into it, 
though very desirous to fall into the wa- 
ter. 

33 H And when she had shewed me 
these things, she would have departed. 
But I said unto her, Lady, what doth it 
profit me to see these things, and not un- 
derstand what they mean ? 

34 She answered and said unto me, 
You are very cunning, in that you are 
desirous to know those things which 
a relate to the tower. Yea, said 1, lady, 
that I may declare them unto the breth- 
ren, and they may rejoice, and hearing 
these things may glorify God with great 
glory. 

35 Then she said, Many indeed shall 
hear them, and when they shall have 
heard them, some shall rejoice and others 
weep. And yet even these, if they shall 
repeat, shall rejoice too. 

36 Hear therefore what I shall say 
concerning the parable of the tower, and 
after this be no longer importunate with 
me about the revelation. 

37 For these revelations have an end, 
seeing they are fulfilled. But thou dost 
not leave off to desire revelation ; for thou 
art very Y urgent. 

38 As for the tower which thou seest 



u Are about, t Edit. Oxcn< 

132 



built, it is I myself, namely the church, 
which have appeared to thee both now, 
and heretofore. Wherefore ask what 
thou wilt concerning the tower, and I will 
reveal it unto thee, that thou mayest re- 
joice with the saints. 

39 I said unto her: Lady, because 
thou hast thought me once worthy to re- 
ceive from thee the revelation of all these 
things, declare them unto me. 

40 She answered me, Whatsoever is 
fit to be revealed unto thee shall be re- 
vealed : w only let thy heart be with the 
Lord, and doubt not, whatsoever thou 
shalt see. 

41 I asked her, Lady, why is the tow- 
er built upon the x water ? She replied, 
I said before to thee that thou wert very 
wise, to inquire diligently concerning the 
building, therefore thou shalt find the 
truth. 

42 Hear therefore why the tower is 
built upon the water : because your life is 
and shall be saved by water, y For it is 
founded by the word of the almighty and 
honorable name, and is supported by the 
invisible power and virtue of God. 

43 11 And I answering, said Unto her, 
These things are very admirable : but, 
lady, who are those six young men that 
build ? 

44 They are, said she, the angels of 
God, w T hich were first appointed, and to 
whom the Lord has delivered all his crea- 
tures, to frame and build them up, and to 
rule over them. For by these the build- 
ing of the tower shall be finished. 

45 And who are the rest who bring 
them stones ? 

46 They also are the holy angels of 
the Lord ; but the other are more excel- 
lent than these. Wherefore when the 
whole building of the tower shall be fin- 
ished, they shall all feast together beside 
the tower, and shall glorify God, because 
the structure of the tower is finished. 

47 I asked her, saying, I would know 
the condition of the stones, and the mean- 
ing of them, what it is ? 

48 She answering, said unto me, Art 
thou better than all others, that this 
should be revealed unto thee ? For others 
are both before thee, and better than thou 
art, to whom these visions should be 
made manifest : 

49 Nevertheless, that the name of God 



w Clem. Alex. Strom, xii. x Baptism. yNamo 
ly, the tower. 



and of several sorts 



I. HERMAS— VISION III. 



of reprobates. 



may be glorified, it has been and shall be 
revealed unto thee, for the sake of those 
who are doubtful, and think in their 
hearts whether these things are so or not. 

50 Tell them that all these things are 
true, and that there is nothing in them 
that is not true ; but all are firm and truly 
established, 

51 IT Hear now then, concerning the 
stones that are in the building. 

52 The square and white stones, which 
agree exactly in their joints, are the 
apostles, and bishops, and doctors and 
ministers, who through the mercy of 
God have come in, and governed, and 
taught, and ministered holily and modest- 
ly to the elect of God, both they that are 
fallen asleep, and which yet remain ; and 
have always agreed with them, and have 
had peace within themselves, and have 
heard each other. 

53 For which cause their joints exact- 
ly meet together in the building of the 
tower. 

54 They which are drawn out of the 
deep and put into the building, and whose 
joints agree with the other stones which 
are already built, are those which are al- 
ready fallen asleep, and have suffered for 
the sake of the Lord's name. 

55 And what are the other stones, 
lady, that are brought from the earth ; 
1 would know what they are ? 

56 She answered, They which lie 
upon the ground and are not polished, are 
those which God has approved, because 
they have walked in z the law of the 
Lord, and directed their ways in his com- 
mandments. 

47 They which are brought and put 
in the building of the tower, are the 
young in faith and the faithful. And 
these are admonished by the ange#s to do 
well, because that iniquity is not found 
in them. 

58 But who ar; those whom they re- 
jected, and laid beside the tower ? 

59 They are such as have sinned, and 
are willing to repent; for which cause 
they are not cast far from the tower, be- 
cause they will be useful for the building, 
if they shall repent. 

60 They therefore that are yet to re- 
pent, if they shall repent shall become 
strong in the faith ; that is, if they repent 
now, whilst the tower is building. For 
if the building; shall be finished there will 



then be no place for them to be put in, 
but they shall be rejected : for 4ie only 
has this privilege who shall now be put 
into the tower. 

61 H But would you know who they 
are that were cut out, and cast afar off 
from the tower ? ■ Lady, said I, I desire 
it. 

62 They are tue children of iniquity, 
who believed only in hypocrisy, but de- 
parted not from their evil ways : for this 
cause they shall not be saved, because 
they are not of any use in the building 
by reason of their sins. 

63 Wherefore they are cut out and 
cast afar off, because of the anger of the 
Lord, and because they have provoked 
him to an^er against them. 

64 As for the great number of other 
stones which thou hast seen placed about 
the tower, but not put into the building ; 
those which are rugged, are they which 
have known the truth, but have not con- 
tinued in it, nor been joined to the saints; 
and therefore unprofitable. 

65 Those that have clefts in them, are 
they who keep up discord in their hearts • 
against each other, and live not in peace ; 
that are friendly when present with their 
brethren ; but as soon as they are depart- 
ed from one another, their wickedness 
still continues in their hearts ; these are 
the clefts which are seen in those stones. 

66 Those that are maimed and short, 
are they who have believed indeed, but 
still are in great measure full of wicked- 
ness ; for this cause are they maimed and 
not whole. 

67 But what are the white and round 
stones, lady, and which are not proper 
for the building of the tower ? 

68 She answering said unto me, How 
long wilt thou continue foolish and with- 
out understanding; asking everything 
and discerning nothing ? 

69 They are such as have faith in- 
deed ; but have withal the riches of this 
present world. When therefore any 
b troubles arise, for the sake of their 
riches and traffic, they deny the Lord. 

70 I answering, said unto her ; When 
therefore will they be profitable to the 
Lord ? When their riches shall be cut 
away, says she, in which they take de- 
light, then they will be profitable unto, 
the Lord for his building. 

71 For as a round stone, unless it be 



z In aequitatem Domini. Lat. 



a Vid. Edit. Oxon. 



b Tribulation arises. 

133 



Of the church 



1. HERMAS. 



triumphant^ 



cut away, and cast somewhat off its bulk, 
cannot be made square ; so they who are 
rich in this world, unless their riches be 
pared off, cannot be made profitable unto 
the Lord. 

72 Learn this from thy own experi- 
ence : when thou wert rich, thou wast 
unprofitable ; but now thou art profitable, 
and fit for the life which thou hast under- 
taken ; for thou also wast one of those 
stones. 

73 11 As for the rest of the stones 
which thou sawest cast afar off' from the 
tower, and running in the way; and 
tumbled out of the way into deseit pla- 
ces ; they are such as have believed in- 
deed, but through their doubting have 
forsaken the true way, thinking that they 
could find a better. But they wander 
and are miserable, going into desolate 
ways. 

74 Then for those stones which fell 
into the fire, and were burnt ; they are 
those who have c for ever departed from 
the living God ; nor doth it ever come 
into their hearts to repent, by reason of 
-the affection which they bear to their lusts 
and wickednesses which they commit. 

75 And what are the rest which fell 
by the water, and could not roll into the 
water ? 

76 They are such as have heard the 
word ; and were willing to be baptised 
in the name of the Lord ; but considering 
the great holiness which the truth re- 
quires, have withdrawn themselves, and 
walked again after their wicked lusts. 

77 Thus she finished the explication 
of the tower. 

78 But I being still urgent, asked her : 
Is there repentance allowed to all those 
stones which are thus cast away, and 
were not suitable to the building of the 
tower ; and shall they find place in this 
tower ? 

79 They may repent, said she, but 
they cannot come into this tower ; but 
they shall be placed in a much lower 
rank ; and this after that they shall have 
been afflicted, and fulfilled the days of 
their sins. 

80 And for this cause they shall be 
removed, because they have received the 
word of righteousness : and then they 
shall be translated from their afflictions, 
if they shall have a true sense in their 
hearts of what they have done amiss. 



134 



c Finally. 



81 But if they shall not have this 
sense in their hearts, they shall not be 
saved, by reason of the hardness of their 
hearts. 

82 IT When therefore I had done ask- 
ing her concerning all these things, she 
said unto me : Wilt thou see somewhat 
else ? And being desirous of seeing it, 
I became very cheerful of countenance. 

83 She therefore looking back upon 
me, and smiling a little, said unto me 
Seest thou seven women about the 
tower ? Lady, said I, I see them. 

84 This tower, replied she, is sup 
ported by them, according to the com 
mand of the Lord : hear therefore the 
effects of them. 

85 The first of them which holds fast 
with her hand, is called Faith ; by her the 
elect shall be saved. The next which is 
girt up, and looks manly, is named Ab- 
stinence : she is the daughter of Faith. 

86 Whosoever therefore shall follow 
her, shall be happy in all his life ; be- 
cause he shall abstain from all evil 
works, believing that if he shall contain 
himself from all concupiscence, he shall 
be the heir of eternal life. And what, 
lady, said I, are the other five ? 

87 They are, replied she, the daugh- 
ters of one another. The first of them 
is called Simplicity ; the next Innocence ; 
the third Modesty ; then Discipline ; and 
the last of all is Charity. When there- 
fore thou shalt have fulfilled the works 
of their mother, thou shalt be able to do 
all things. 

88 Lady, said I, I would know what 
particular virtue every one of these has. 

89 Hear then, replied she ; they have 
equal virtues, and their virtues are knit 
together, and follow one another as they 
were born. 

90 From Faith proceeds Abstinence ; 
from Abstinence, Simplicity ; from Sim- 
plicity, Innocence ; from Innocence, Mod- 
esty ; from Modesty, Discipline and Char- 
ity. Therefore the works of these are 
holy and chaste, and right. 

91 Whosoever therefore shall serve 
these, and hold fast to their works, he 
shall have his dwelling in the tower with 
the saints of God. 

92 Then I asked her concerning 4 the 
times, whether the end were now at 
hand ? 

93 But she cried out with a loud voice, 
saying : foolish man ! Dost thou not 
see the tower yet a building ? When 






end of several sorts 



I. HERMAS— VISION III. 



of reprobates. 



therefore the tower shall be finished, and 
built, it shall have an end ; and indeed it 
shall soon be accomplished. 

94 But do not ask me any more ques- 
tions. What has been said may suffice 
thee and all the saints ; for the refresh- 
ment of your spirits. For these things 
have not been revealed to thee only, but 
that thou mayest make them manifest 
unto all. 

95 For therefore, Hermas, after three 
days thou must understand these words 
which I begin to speak unto thee, that 
thou mayest speak them in the ears of the 
saints ; that when they shall have heard 
and done them, they may be cleansed 
from their iniquities, and thou together 
with them. 

96 IT Hear me therefore, my sons ! 
I have bred you up in much simplicity, 
and innocency, and modesty, for the 
mercy of God, which has dropped down 
upon you in righteousness ; that you 
should be sanctified, and justified from 
all sin and wickedness : but ye will not 
cease from your evil-doings. 

97 Now therefore hearken unto me, 
and have peace one with another, and 
visit one another, and receive one another, 
and do not enjoy the creatures of God alone. 

98 Give freely to them that are in need. 
For some by too free feeding contract an 
infirmity in their flesh, and do injury to 
their bodies ; whilst the flesh of others, 
who have not food, withers away, be- 
cause they want sufficient nourishment, 
and their bodies are consumed. 

99 Wherefore this intemperance is 
hurtful to you, who have and do not 
communicate to them that want. Pre- 
pare for the judgment that is about to 
come upon you. 

100 Ye that are the more eminent, 
search out them that are hungry, whilst 
the tower is yet unfinished. For when 
the tower shall be finished, ye shall be 
willing to do good, and shall not find any 
place in it. 

101 Beware therefore, ye that glory in 
your riches, lest perhaps they groan who 
are in want ; and their sighing come up 
unto God, and ye be shut out with your 
goods without the gate of the tower. 

102 Behold I now warn you who are 
set over the church, and love the highest 
seats ; be not ye like unto those that 
work mischief. 

103 And they indeed carry about their 
poison in boxes; but ye contain your 



poison and d infection in your hearts ; and 
will not purge them, and mix your sense 
with a pure heart, that ye may find mercy 
with the Great King. 

104 Take heed, my children, that your 
dissensions deprive you not of your lives. 
How will ye instruct the elect of God, 
when ye yourselves want correction ? 
Wherefore admonish one another, and be 
at peace among yourselves ; that I stand- 
ing before your father, may give an ac- 
count for you unto the Lord. 

105 And when she had made an end 
of talking with me, the six young men 
that built, came and carried her to the 
tower ; and four others took up the seat 
on which she sate, and they also went 
away again to the tower. I saw not the 
faces of these, for their backs were to- 
wards me. 

106 As she was going away, 1 asked 
her, that she would reveal to me what 
concerned the three forms, in which she 
had appeared unto me. 

107 But she answering said unto me : 
Concerning these things thou must ask 
some other, that they may be revealed 
unto thee. 

108 Now, brethren, in the first vision 
the last year, she appeared unto me ex- 
ceeding old, and sitting in a chair. 

109 In another vision, she had indeed 
a youthful face, but her flesh and hair 
were old ; and she talked with me stand- 
ing, and was more cheerful than the first 
time. 

110 In the third vision, she was in all 
respects much younger, and comely to 
the eye ; only she had the hair of an 
aged person : yet she looked cheerful, and 
sate upon a seat. 

111 I was therefore very sad concern- 
ing these things, until 1 might understand 
the vision. 

112 Wherefore I saw the same old 
woman in a vision of the night saying 
unto me; all prayer needeth humiliation. 
Fast therefore, and thou shalt learn from 
the Lord that which thou dost ask. I 
fasted therefore one day. 

113 The same night a young man ap- 
peared to me and said : Why dost thou 
thus often desire Revelations in thy pray- 
ers ? Take heed that by asking many 
things, thou hurt not thy body. Let 
these Revelations suffice thee. 

114 Canst thou see more notable Rev- 



d Medicaments. 



135 



Of the tribulation 



I. HERMAS— VISION IV. 



to come* 



elation s than those which thou hast al- 
ready received. 

I answered and said unto him : Sir, I 
only ask this one thing upon the account 
of the three figures of the old woman 
that appeared to me, that the Revelation 
may be complete. 

116 He answered me; You are not 
without understanding, but your doubts 
make you so ; forasmuch as you have 
not your heart with the Lord. 

117 I replied and said; But we shall 
learn these things more carefully from 
you. 

118 H Hear then, says he, concerning 
the figures, about which you inquire. 

119 And first, in the first vision she 
appeared to thee in the shape of an old 
woman sitting in a chair ; because your 
old spirit was decayed, and without 
strength, by reason of your infirmities, 
and the doubtfulness of your heart. 

120 For as they who are old have no 
hope of renewing themselves, nor expect 
anything hut their departure : so you 
being weakened through your worldly 
affairs gave yourself up to sloth, and cast 
not away your solicitude from yourself 
upon the Lord ; and your sense was e con- 
fused, and you grew old in your sadness. 

121 Rut, Sir, I would know why she 
sate upon a chair ? 

122 He answered, Because every one 
that is weak, sitteth upon a chair by rea- 
son of his infirmity, that his weakness 
may be upheld : Behold therefore the fig- 
ure of the first vision. 

123 TT In the second vision you saw 
her standing, and having a youthful face, 
and more cheerful than her former ; but 
her flesh and her hair were ancient. 
Hear, said he, this parable also. 

124 When any one grows old, he des- 
pairs of himself by reason of his infirm- 
ity and poverty ; and expects nothing but 
the last day of his life. 

125 But on a sudden an inheritance is 
left to him ; and he hears of it, and ri- 
ses ; and being become cheerful, he puts 
on new strength. And now he no longer 
sits down, but stands; and is delivered 
from his former sorrow ; and sits not, but 
acts manfully. 

126 So you, having heard the Revela- 
tion which God revealed unto you ; be- 
cause God had compassion upon you, and 
renewed your spirit; both laid aside your 



136 



e Broken, Contusus. 



infirmities, and strength came to you, and 
you grew strong in the faith ; and God 
seeing your strength, rejoiced. 

127 For this cause he showed you the 
building of the tower; and will shew 
other things unto you, if you shall have 
peace with all your heart among each 
other. 

128 IF But in the third vision you saw 
her yet younger ; f fair and cheerful, and 
of a serene countenance. 

129 For as if some good news comes 
to one that is sad, he straightway forgets 
his sadness, and regards nothing else but 
the good news which he has heard ; and 
for the rest he is comforted, and his spirit 
is renewed through the joy which he has 
received : even so you have been re- 
freshed in your spirit, by seeing these 
good things. 

130 .And lor that you saw her sitting 
upon a bench, it denotes a strong posi- 
tion ; because a bench has four feet, and 
stands strongly. And even the world it- 
self is upheld by the four elements. 

131 They therefore that repent per- 
fectly, shall be young ; and they that 
turn from their sins with their whole 
heart, shall be established. 

132 And now you have the Revelation 
fully ; ask no more to have anything 
farther revealed unto you. 

133 But if anything be to be revealed, 
it shall be made manifest unto you. 

VISION IV. 

Of the trial and tribulation that is about to come 
upon men. 

1SAW a vision, brethren, twenty days 
after the former vision ; a representa- 
tion of the tribulation that is at hand. 1 
was walking in the field-way. 

2 Now from the public way to the 
place whither I went is about ten fur- 
longs ; it is a way very little frequented : 

3 And as I was walking alone, I en- 
treated the Lord that he would confirm 
the Revelations which he had shewed 
unto me by his Holy Church : 

4 And would grant repentance to all 
his servants, who had been offended, that 
his great and honourable name might be 
glorified ; and because he thought me 
worthy eto whom he might shew his 
wonders ; and that I might honour him, 
and give thanks unto him. 

5 And behold somewhat like a voice 






f Honestam. £ That he would shew me. 



Of the tribulations 



I. HERMAS— VISION IV. 



to come. 



answered me ; Doubt not, Hennas. 
Wherefore I began to think, and say 
within myself ; why should I doubt, see- 
ing I am thus settled by the Lord, and 
have seen such glorious things ? 

6 I had gone but a little farther, breth- 
ren, when behold I saw a dust rise up to 
heaven. I began to say within myself; 
Is there a drove of cattle coming, that 
raises such a dust ? 

7 It was about a furlong off from me. 
And behold I saw the dust rise more and 
more, insomuch that 1 began to suspect 
that there was h somewhat extraordinary 
in it. 

8 And the sun shone a little ; and be- 
hold I saw a great beast, as it were a 
whale ; and fiery locusts came out of his 
mouth. The height of the beast was 
about a hundred feet ; and he had a head 
like a 'large earthen vessel. 

9 I began to weep, and to pray unto 
the Lord, that he would deliver me from 
it. Then I called to mind the word 
Which I had heard ; Doubt not, Hermas. 

10 Wherefore, brethren, putting on a 
divine faith, and remembering who it was 
that had taught me great things, I deliv- 
ered myself boldly unto the beast. 

1 1 Nov/ the beast came on in such a 
manner, as if it could k at once have de- 
voured a city. 

12 1 came near unto it ; and the beast 
extended its whole bulk upon the ground ; 
and put forth nothing but its tongue, nor 
once moved itself, till I had quite passed 
by it. 

13 Now the beast had upon its head 
four colours, first black, then a red and 
bloody colour, then a golden, and then a 
white. 

14 IT After that I had passed by it, 
and was gone forward about thirty foot ; 
behold there met me a certain virgin well 
adorned, as if she had been just come 
out of her bride-chamber ; all in white, 
having on white shoes, and a veil down 
her face, and covered with shining hair. 

15 Now I knew by my former visions 
that it was the church ; and thereupon 
grew the more cheerful. She saluted me 
saying, Hail man ! I returned the sal- 
utation, saying, Lady, Hail ! 

16 She answering said unto me, Did 
nothing meet you, man ! I replied ; 
Lady, there met me such a beast, as 
seemed able to devour a whole people ; 

k Aliquid divinitus. i Vas urnale. k In ictu. 



but by the power of God, and through 
his singular mercy I escaped it. 

17 Thou didst escape it well, said she ; 
because thou didst cast thy whole care 
upon God ; and openedst thy heart unto 
him ; believing that thou couldst be safe 
by no other, than by his great and hon- 
ourable name. 

18 For this cause the Lord sent his 
angel, who is over the beast, whose name 
is Hegrin, and stopped his mouth, that he 
should not devour thee. Thou hast es- 
caped a great trial through thy faith, and 
because thou didst not doubt for such a 
terrible beast. 

19 Go therefore, and relate to the elect 
of God, the great things that he hath 
done for thee. And thou shalt say unto 
them, that this beast is the figure of the 
trial that is about to come. 

20 If therefore ye shall have prepared 
yourselves, ye may escape it, if your 
heart be pure and without spot; and if 
ye shall serve God all the rest of your 
days without complaint. 

21 Cast all your cares upon the Lord, 
and he will direct them. Believe in God, 
ye doubtful, because he can do all things ; 
he can both turn away his wrath from 
you, and send you help and security. 

22 Wo to the doubtful, to those who 
shall hear these words, and shall despise 
them : it had been better for them that 
they had not been born. 

23 IT Then I asked her concerning the 
four colours which the beast had upon 
its head. But she answered me, saying ; 
Again thou art curious in that thou ask- 
est concerning these things. And I said 
unto her, Lady, shew me what they are ? 

24 Hear, said she : the black which 
thou sawest, denotes the world in which 
you dwell. The fiery and bloody col- 
our, signifies that this age must be des- 
troyed by lire and blood. 

25 The golden part are ye, who have 
escaped out of it. For as gold is tried 
by the fire, and is made profitable, so are 
ye also in like manner tried who dwell 
among the men of this world. 

26 They therefore that shall endure to 
the end. and be proved by them shall be 
purged. And as gold, by this trial is 
cleansed and loses its dross; so shall ye 
also cast away all sorrow and trouble ; 
and be made pure for the building oi the 

i tower. 

27 But the white colour denotes the 
I time of the world which is to come, in 

1:37 



Introduction. 



It. HERMAS. 



Believing in God, 



which the elect of God shall dwell : be- 
cause the elect of God shall be pure and 
without spot unto life eternal. 

28 Wherefore do not thou cease to 
speak these things in the ears of the 
saints. Here ye have the figure of the 
great tribulation that is about to come ; 
which, if you please, shall be nothing to 



you. Keep therefore in mind the things 
which I have said unto you. 

29 When she had spoken thus much, 
she departed ; but I saw not whither she 
went. But suddenly I heard a noise, 
and I turned back, being afraid; for I 
thought that the beast was coming to- 
ward me. 



The Second Book of HERMAS, called his COMMANDS. 



IF Introduction, 

WHEN I had prayed at home, and 
was sat down upon the bed ; a cer- 
tain man came in to me with a reverend 
look, in the habit of a shepherd cloathed 
with a white cloak, having his bag upon 
his back, and his staff in his hand, and 
saluted me. 

2 I returned his salutation; and im- 
mediately he sat down by me, and said 
unto me ; I aft; sent by that venerable 
messenger, that I should dwell with thee 
all the remaining days of thy life. 

3 But I thought that he was come to 
try me, and said unto him, Who are you ? 
For 1 know to whom I am committed. 
He said unto me, Do you not know me > 
I answered, No. I am, said he, that 
shepherd, to whose care you are deliv- 
ered. 

4 Whilst he was yet speaking, his 
shape was changed ; and when I knew 
that it was he to whom I was committed, 
I was ashamed, and a sudden fear came 
upon me, and I was utterly overcome 
with sadness, because I had spoken so 
foolishly unto him. 

5 But he said unto me, Be not asham- 
ed, but receive strength in thy mind, 
through the commands which I am about 
to deliver unto thee. For, said he, I am 
sent to shew unto thee all those things 
again, which thou hast seen before ; but 
especially such of them as may be of 
most use unto thee. 

6 And first of all write my Commands 
and Similitudes, the rest thou shalt so 
w rite as I shall shew unto thee. But I 
therefore bid thee first of all write my 
Commands and Similitudes, that by often 

138 



reading of them, thou mayest the more 
easily ll keep them in memory. 

7 Whereupon I wrote his Commands 
and Sim litudes, as he bade me. 

8 Which things if when you have 
heard, ye shall observe to do them ; and 
shall walk according to them, and exer- 
cise yourselves in them, with a pure 
mind ; ye shall receive from the Lord 
those things which he has promised unto 
you. 

9 But if having heard them ye shall 
not repent, but shall still go on to add to 
your sins ; b ye shall be punished by him. 

10 All these things that Shepherd, the 
angel of repentance, commanded me to 
write. 

COMMAND 1. 

Of believing in c one God. 

FIRST of d all believe that there is one 
God who created and framed all 
things of nothing into a being. 

2 He comprehends all things, and i3 
only immense, not to be comprehended 
by any. 

3 Who can neither be defined by any 
words, nor conceived by the mind. 

4 Therefore believe in him, and fear 
him ; e abstain from all evil. 

5 Keep these things, and cast all f lust 
and iniquity far from thee ; and put on 
righteousness; and thou shalt live to 
God, if thou shalt keep this command- 
ment. 

a Observe them, Custodire possis. Lat. b Adversa 
recipietis. c Faith. d Irenaeus, 1. 1, c. 3. Origen 
de Princ. 1. ], c. 3. Euseb. Hist. Eccles. 1. 5, c. 8. 
Athanas. de.Incarn. Verb. &c. « Habe abstinen- 
tium. f Omnem concupiscentiam et nequitiam. MS. 
Lamb, et Oxon. 



Against detraction 



COMMAND II. 

That we must avoid detraction ; and do our alms 
deeds with simplicity, 

HE said unto me; sbe innocent and 
without disguise ; so shalt thou 
be like an infant who knows no malice, 
which destroys the life of man. 

2 Especially see that thou speak evil 
of none ; nor willingly hear any one 
speak evil of any. 

3 h For if thou observest not this, thou 
also who hearest, shalt be ■ partaker of 
the sin of him that speaketh evii by be- 
lieving the slander, and thou also shalt 
have sin ; because thou believedst him 
that spake evil of thy brother. 

4 k Detraction is a pernicious thing ; an 
inconstant, ' evil spirit ; that never con- 
tinues in peace, but is always in discord. 
111 Wherefore refrain thyself from it ; and 
keep peace evermore with thy brother. 

5 Put on a holy n constancy, ° in 
which there are no sins, but all is full of 
joy ; and do good of thy labours. 

6 p Give i without distinction to all 
that are in want ; not doubting to whom 
thou givest. 

7 But give to all ; for God will have 
us give to all, of r all his own gifts. 
They therefore that receive shall give an 
account to God, both wherefore they re- 
ceived, and for what end. 

8 And they that receive without a real 
need, shall give an account for it ; but he 
that gives shall be innocent : 

9 For he has fulfilled his duty as he 
received it from God ; not making any 
choice to whom he should give, and to 
whom not. And this service he did with 
simplicity, and 8 to the glory of God. 

10 Keep therefore this command ac- 
cording as I have delivered it unto thee ; 
that thy repentance may be found to be 
sincere, and that good may come to thy 
house ; and have a pure heart. 

COMMAND III 

Of avoiding lying, and the repentance of Hermas 
for his dissimulation. 



g Lat. Have simplicity and be innocent. hGr. 
'Et 61 /*??, Kal av dxtiov evoxos Zar). i So the 

Gr. and Lamb. MS. Particeps eris peccati male lo- 
quentis. credens ; et tu habebis peccatum. k Vid. 
Antioch. Horn. x\ix. 1 Daemon. m The Gr. hath 
cv. n Rather simplicity ; according to the Gr. read- 
ing preserved by Anathasius. o Gr. in which there 
is no evil oflence, but all things smooth and delight- 
ful, iv ois vdlv aJpdaKOjxpa iarrlv Trovrjpdv, dXXa 
navra fyiaXa x, l\aod. p Vid. Antioch. Horn. 

xcviii. q Simply. r Gr. £K tu>v idioiv Soyprjud ro)v. 
MS, Lamb. De suis donis. s Gloriously to God. 



II. HERMAS. and lying. 

"jVJOREOVER t he said unto me, love 
ItJL truth ; and let all the speech be 
true which proceeds out of thy mouth ; 

2 That the spirit which the Lord hath 
given to dwell in thy flesh maybe found 
true towards all men ; and the Lord be 
glorified who hath given such a spirit un- 
to thee : because God is true in all his 
words, and in him there is no lie. 

3 They therefore that lie, deny the 
Lord ; ■ and become robbers of the Lord ; 
v not rendering to God what they received 
from him. 

4 For they received the spirit free from 
lying : if therefore they make that a liar, 
they defile what was committed to them 
by the Lord, and become deceivers. 

5 When I heard this, I wept bitterly. 
And when he saw me weeping, he said 
unto me; why weepest thou? And I 
said ; because, sir, I doubt whether I can 
be saved ? 

6 He asked me, Wherefore ? I replied ; 
Because sir, I never spake a true word in 
my life ; but always lived in dissimula- 
tion, and affirmed a lie for truth to all 
men ; and no man contradicted me, but all 
gave credit to my words. How then can 
I live, seeing I have done in this manner ? 

7 And he said unto me ; Thou think- 
est well and truly. For thou oughtest, 
as the servant of God, to have walked in 
the truth, and not have joined an evil con- 
science with the spirit of truth ; nor have 
grieved the holy and true spirit of God. 

8 And I replied unto him ; Sir, I never 
before hearkened so diligently to these 
things. He answered ; Now thou hear- 
est them: Take care from henceforth, 
that even those things which thou hast 
formerly spoken falsely for the sake of 
thy business, may, w by thy present truth, 
receive credit. 

9 For even those things may be cred- 
ited, if for the time to come thou shalt 
speak the truth ; and x by so doing thou 
mayest attain unto life. 

10 And whosoever shall hearken unto 
this command and do it ; and shall de- 
part from all lying, he shall live unto 
God. 

COMMAND IV. 

Of putting away one's wife for adultery, 

URTHERMORE, said he, I com- 
mand thee, that thou keep y thyself 



F 



t Antioch. Horn. lxvi. ■ According to the Gr. 

v See III. Hermas, Similitude ix ver. 268 et seq. 
w Through these words. Lat. His verbis et ilia 
fidem recipiant. x If thou shalt keep the truth. 
y Chastity. 

139 



Of putting away 



chaste ; and that thou suffer not any 
thought z of any other marriage, or of 
fornication, to enter into thy heart : for 
such a thought produces a great sin. 

2 But be thou at all times mindful of 
the Lord, and thou shalt never sin. For 
if such an evil thought should arise in 
thy heart, thou shouldest be guilty of a 
great sin ; and they who do such things, 
follow the way of death. 

3 Look therefore to thyself, and keep 
thyself from such a thought : for where 
chastity remains in the heart of a right- 
eous man, there an evil thought ought 
never to arise. 

4 And I said unto him, Sir, suffer me 
to speak a little to you. He bade me say 
on. And I answered, Sir, if a man that 
is faithful in the Lord, shall have a wife, 
and shall catch her in adultery ; doth a 
man sin that continues to live still with 
her? 

5 And he said unto me; As long as he 
is ignorant of her sin, he commits no fault 
in living with her : but if a man shall 
know his wife to have offended, and she 
shall not repent of her sin, but go on still 
in her fornication, and a man shall con- 
tinue nevertheless to live with her, he 
shall become guilty of her sin, and par- 
take with her in her adultery. 

5 And I said unto him ; What there- 
fore is to be done, if the woman continues 
on in her sin ? He answered ; Let her 
husband put her away, and let him con- 
tinue by himself. But if he shall put 
away his wife, and marry another, he 
also doth commit adultery. 

7 And I said ; What if the woman 
that is so put away, shall repent, and be 
willing to return to her husband, shall 
she not be received by him ? He said 
unto me, Yes; and if her husband shall 
not receive her, he will sin, and commit 
a great offence against himself : but he 
ought to receive the offender, if she re- 
pents ; only not often. 

8 For to the servants of God there is 
but one repentance. And for this cause 
a man that putteth away his wife ought 
not to take another, because she may re- 
pent. 

9 This act isalike both in the man and 
in the woman. Now they commit adul- 
tery, not only who pollute their flesh, but 
who also make an image. a If therefore 
a woman perseveres in any thing of this 



II. HERMAS. a wife for adultery. 

kind, and repents not, depart from her, 
and live not with her : otherwise thou 
shalt also be a partaker of her sin. 

10 But it is therefore commanded that 
both the man and the woman should re- 
main unmarried, because such persons 
may repent. 

1 1 Nor do I in this administer any oc- 
casion for the doing of these things; but 
rather that whoso has offended, should 
not offend any more. 

12 But for their former sins, God who 
has the power of healing will give a rem- 
edy : for he has the power of all things. 

13 IF I asked him again, and said ; See- 
ing the Lord hath thought me worthy 
that thou shouldest dwell with me con- 
tinually; speak a few words unto me, 
because I understand nothing, and my 
heart is hardened through my former con- 
versation ; and open my b understanding 
because I am very dull, and apprehend 
nothing at all. 

1 4 And he answering said unto me ; 
I am the c minister of repentance, and give 
* understanding to all that repent. .Does 
it not seem to thee to be e a very wise 
thing to repent ? Because he that does 
so, gets great understanding. 

15 For he is sensible that he hath sin- 
ned and done wickedly in the sight of 
the Lord ; and he remembers f within him- 
self that he has offended, and repents and 
does no more wickedly; but does that 
which is good, and humbles his soul, and 
afflicts it, because he has offended. You 
see therefore that repentance is great wis- 
dom. 

16 And I said unto him; For this 
cause, sir, I inquire diligently into all 
things, because I am a sinner, that I may 
know what I must do that I may live ; 
because my sins are many. 

17 And he said unto me, Thou shalt 
live if thou shalt keep these my com- 
mandments. And whosoever shall hear 
and do these commands, shall live unto 
God. 

18 11 And I said unto him; I have 
even now heard from certain teachers that 
there is no other repentance beside that of 
baptism ; when we go down into the wa- 
ter, and receive the forgiveness of our 
sins ; and that after that, we must sin no 
more, but live in e purity. 

19 And he said unto me, Thou hast 



z Another man's. 

140 



a See 1 Cor, vii. 



b Sense. c Propositus, d See below, ver. 18 et 
seq. e Great wisdom. f In his understanding. 

S Chastity. 



Continued. 



II. HERMAS. 



Of sadness of heart. 



h been rightly informed. Nevertheless 
seeing now thou inqunest diligently into 
all things, I will manifest this also unto 
thee ; yet not so as to give any occasion 
of sinning either to those who shall 
hereafter believe, or to those who have 
already believed in the Lord. 

20 For neither they who have ■ newly 
believed, or who shall hereafter believe, 
have any repentance of sins, but forgive- 
ness of them. 

21 But as to those who have been 
called to the faith, and since that are fall- 
en into any gross sin, the Lord hath ap- 
pointed repentance : Because God know- 
eth the thoughts of all men's hearts, and 
their infirmities ; and the manifold wick- 
edness of the devil : who is always con- 
triving something against the servants of 
God; and maliciously lays snares for 
them. 

22 Therefore our merciful Lord had 
compassion towards his creature, and ap- 
pointed that repentance, and gave unto 
me the power of it. And theiefore I say 
unto thee ; If any one after that great and 
holy calling shall be tempted by the devil 
and sin, he has one k repentance. But if 
he shall often sin and repent, it shall not 
profit such a one, for he shall hardly live 
unto God. 

23 And I said, Sir, I am restored again 
to life since I have thus diligently heark- 
ened to these commands. For I perceive 
that if I shall not hereafter add any more 
to my sins. I shall be saved. 

24 And he said, Thou shaft be saved; 
and so shall all others, as many as shall 
observe these commandments. 

25 IT And again I said unto him ; Sir, 
seeing thou nearest me patiently, shew 
me yet one thing more. Tell me, saith 
he. what it is. 

26 And I said ; If a husband or wife 
die, and the party which survives marry 
again, does he sin in so doing i l He that 
marries (says he) sins not : howbeit if he 
shall remain single, he shall thereby gain 
to himself great "honour before the Lord. 

27 Keep therefore thy chastity and 
modesty, and thou shalt live unto God. 
Observe from henceforth those things 
which I speak with thee and command 
thee to observe ; from the time l * thatj 

h Rightly heard. i MS. Lamb. Qui modo cre- 
diderunt, Who have jut now believed, k Vid. An- 
not Coteler. in loc. pp. GO, 61. I Vid. Not. Coteler. 
in loc. p. 64, B. C Rom. vii. 3. Comp. 1 Cor. vn. 
m MS. Lamb. Melius : Ex quo mihi traditus, That 
thou hast been delivered unto me, and I dwell, &c. 



have been delivered unto thee, and dwell 
in thy house. 

28 So shall thy former sins be forgiv- 
en, if thou shalt keep these my com- 
mandments. And in like manner shall 
all others be forgiven who shall observe 
these my commandments. 

COMMAND V. 

Of the sadness of the heart, and of patience. 

BE patient, says he, and ■ long-suffer- 
ing; so shalt thou have dominion 
over all wicked works and shalt ° fulfil 
all righteousness. 

2 For if thou shalt be patient, the Ho- 
ly Spirit which dwelleth in thee shall be 
pure, and not be darkened by any evil 
spirit; but being full of joy shall be en- 
larged, and feast p in the body in which 
it dwells, and * serve the Lord with joy, 
and in great peace. 

3 But if any r anger shall overtake 
thee, presently the Holy Spirit which is 
in thee, will be straightened, and seek to 
depart from thee. 

4 For he is choked by the evil spirit ; 
and has not the 8 liberty of l serving the 
Lord as he would ; for he is grieved by 
B anger. v When therefore both these spi- 
rits dwell together, it is destructive to a 
man. 

5 As if one should take a little worm- 
wood, and put it into a vessel of honey, 
the whole honey would be spoiled ; and 
a great quantity of honey is corrupted by 
a very little wormwood, and loses the 
sweetness of honey, and is no longer ac- 
ceptable to its Lord, because the whole 
honey is made bitter, ana loses its use. 

6 But if no wormwood be put into the 
honey, it is sweet and profitable to its 
Lord. Thus is forbearance sweeter than 
honey, and profitable to the Lord, who 
dwelleth in it. 

7 But anger is unprofitable. If there- 
fore anger shall be mixed with forbear- 
ance, the soul is distressed, and its pray- 
er is not profitable w with God. 

8 And I said unto him, Sir, I would 
know the sinfulness of anger, that I may 

nGr. MaKp69vfxog. MS. Lamb. Animaequus. 
o Work, p MS. Lamb, melins, Cum. vase. Et Gr. 
fiera tov okcvvs, with the body, or vessel. q Gr. 
Asi-ypyzi rto Kripiu). r 'O^t'XoAia. Gr. Bitter- 
ness of frail. » Place. t Qr. A.enrvp\Tj<rai. 
u 'G|i)X'Aia. v Both Athanasius and Antiochus 
add here these words, omitted in our copies . M For 
in forbearance (or long suffering) the Lord dwell 
eth ? but in bitterness the devil." ^ To. 

141 



Every man has 



II. HERMAS. 



two angels. 



keep myself from it. And he said unto 
me, Thou shalt know it; and if thou 
shalt not keep thyself from it, thou shalt 
lose thy hope with all thy house. 
Wherefore depart from it. 

9 For I the x messenger of righteous- 
ness am with thee ; and all that depart 
from it, and as many as shall repent with 
all their hearts shall live unto God ; and 
I will be with them, and will keep them 
all. 

1 For all such as have repented, have 
been justified, by the most holy messen- 
ger who is a minister of salvation. 

11 IT And now, says he, hear the 
wickedness of anger ; how evil and hurt- 
ful it is, and how it overthrows the ser- 
vants of God : for it cannot y hurt those 
that are full of faith, because the 2 power 
of God is with them ; but it overthrows 
the doubtful, and those that are destitute 
of faith. 

12 For as often as it sees a such men, 
it casts itself into their hearts ; and so a 
man or woman is in bitterness for no- 
thing : for the things of life : or for sus- 
tenance ; or for a vain word, if any should 
chance to fall in ; or by reason of any 
friend ; or for a debt ; or for any other 
superfluous things of the like nature. 

13 For these things are foolish and su- 
perfluous, and Vain to the servants of 
God. But equanimity is strong, and for- 
cible ; and of great power, and sitteth in 
great enlargement ; is cheerful, rejoicing 
in peace ; and glorifying God at all times 
b with meekness. 

14 And this long suffering dwells with 
those that are full of faith. But anger is 
foolish, and light, and empty. Now bit- 
terness is bred through folly ; by bitter- 
ness, anger ; by anger, fury. And this 
fury arising from so many evil principles, 
worketh a great and uncurable sin. 

1 5 For when all these things are in the 
same c man in -which the holy spirit 
dwells; the vessel cannot contain them, 
but runs over : and because the Spirit be- 
ing tender cannot tarry with the evil one ; 
it departs, and dwells with him that is 
meek. 

16 When therefore it is departed from 
the man in w r hom it dwelt ; that man be- 



x Angel. y Gr. Work upon, ivepyrjaai ; et MS. 
Lamb. Facere. zVirtue. *Gr. Totyr«s dvOpcoirys. 
b In the Greek of Athunasius and Antiochus the 
sense is fuller : Having nothing of bitterness in it- 
self, and continuing always in meekness and quiet- 
ness, c Vessel. 

142 



comes destitute of the Holy Spirit, and is 
afterwards filled with wicked spirits, 
d and is blinded with evil thoughts, Thus 
doth it happen to all angry men. 

17 Wherefore depart thou from anger, 
and put on equanimity and resist wrath ; 
so shalt thou be e found with modesty 
and chastity by God. Take good heed 
therefore that thou neglect not this com- 
mandment. 

18 For if thou shalt obey this com- 
mand, then shalt thou also be able to ob- 
serve the other commandments which I 
shall command thee. 

19 Wherefore strengthen thyself now 
in these commands, that thou mayest 
live unto God. And whosoever shall 
observe these commandments shall live 
unto God. 

COMMAND VI. 

That every man has two angels, and of the sug- 
gestions of both. 

COMMANDED thee, said he, in 
my first commandment, that thou 
shouldest keep faith, and fear, and & re- 
pentance. Yes, sir, said I. 

2 He continued ; But now I will show 
thee the virtues of these commands, that 
thou mayest know their effects ; how 
they are h prescribed alike to the just 
and unjust. 

3 Do you therefore believe the right- 
eous, but give no credit to the unright- 
eous. For righteousness keepeth the 
right way, but unrighteousness the wick- 
ed way. 

4 Do thou therefore keep the right 
way, and leave that which is evil. For 
the evil way has not a good end, but 
hath many stumbling-blocks ; it is rug- 
ged and full of thorns, and leads to de- 
struction ; and is hurtful to all such as 
walk in it. 

5 But they who go in the right way, 
walk with evenness, and without offence, 
because it is not rough nor thorny. 

6 Thou seest therefore, how it is best 
to walk in this way. Thou shalt there- 
fore go says he, and all others, as many 



d In the Greek of Athanasius follow these words, 
omitted in the Lat. Vers, of Hermas : " And is un- 
stable in all his doings, being drawn hither and 
thither by wicked men." e j n the Greek of tha- 
nasius it runs better thus : " Applauded with rever- 
ence by those who are beloved of God. f Vid. Co- 
teler. Annot. in loc. pp. 67, 68. Comp. Edit. Oxon. 
p. 61, Note a. gLat. Poenitentiam ; it should rather 
be Abstinentiam ; as in the Greek of Athanasius : as 
appears by the first Commandment, which is here 
referred to. & Placed Lat. Posita sunt. 



Familiar angels. 



II. HERMAS. 



Fear God. 



as believe in God with all their heart, 
shall go through it. 

7 IT And now, says he, ' understand 
first of all what belongs to faith. There 
are two angels with man, one of right- 
eousness the other of iniquity. 

8 And I said unto him, Sir, how shall 
I know that there are two such angels 
with man ? Hear, says he, and under- 
stand. 

9 The angel of righteousness is mild, 
and modest, and gentle, and quiet. When 
therefore he gets into thy heart, immedi- 
ately he talks with thee of righteousness, 
of modesty, of chastity, of bountifulness, 
of forgiveness, of charity and piety. 

10 When all these things come into 
thy heart, know then that the angel of 
righteousness is with thee. Wherefore 
hearken to this angel and to his works. 

1 1 Learn also the works of the angel 
of iniquity. He is first of all bitter, and 
angry, and foolish ; and his works are 
pernicious, and overthrow the servants 
of God. When therefore these things 
com£ into thy heart ; thou shalt know by 
his works, that this is the angel of iniquity. 

12 And I said unto him, Sir, how 
shall I understand these things? Hear, 
says he, and understand. When anger 
overtakes thee, or bitterness, know that 
he is in thee : 

13 As also, when the desire of many 
k things, and of the best meats, and of 
drunkenness; when the love of what be- 
longs to others, pride, and much speak- 
ing, and ambition, and the like things, 
come upon thee. 

14 When therefore these things arise 
in thy heart, know that the angel of in- 
iquity is with thee. Seeing therefore 
thou knowest his works, depart from 
them all, and give no credit to him : be- 
cause his works are evil, and become not 
the servants of God. 

1 5 Here therefore thou hast the works 
of both these angels. Understand now 
and believe the angel of righteousness, 
because his instruction is good. 

16 For let a man be never so happy ; 
yet if the thoughts of the other angel 
arise in his heart, that man or woman 
must needs sin. 

17 But let man or woman be never 
so wicked, if the works of the angel of 



» Vid. Antioch. Horn. lxi. Comp. Orig. 1. iii. De 
Princip. et in Luc. Horn. xxxv. fc Works. Gr. 
llpafecov. 



righteousness come into his heart, that 
man or woman must needs do some 
good. 

18 Thou seest therefore how it is 
good to follow the angel of righteousness. 
If therefore thou shalt follow him, and 
submit to his works, thou shalt live 
unto God. And as many as shall m sub- 
mit to his works, shall live also unto 
God. 

COMMAND VII. 

That we must fear God, but not the Devil. 

FEAR m God, says he, and keep his 
commandments. For if thou keep- 
est his commandments thou shalt be 
powerful in every work, and all thy 
work shall be n excellent. For by fear- 
ing God, thou shalt do everything well. 

2 This is that fear with which thou 
must be affected that thou mayest be 
saved. But fear not the Devil : for if 
thou fearest the Lord, thou shalt have 
dominion over him ; because there is no 
power in him. 

3 Now if there be no power in him, 
then neither is he to be feared. But he 
in whom there is excellent power, he is 
to be feared : for every one that has 
power is to be feared. But he that has 
no power is despised by every one. 

4 Fear the works of the Devil, because 
they are evil. For by fearing the Lord, 
thou wilt fear and not do the works of 
the Devil, but keep thyself from them. 

5 There is therefore a two-fold fear ; 
° if thou wilt not do evil, fear the Lord 
and thou shalt not do it. But if thou 
wilt do good, p the fear of the Lord is 
strong and great and glorious. 

6 Wherefore, fear God, and thou shalt 
live : and whosoever shall fear him, and 
keep his commandments, their life is 
with the Lord. But they who keep them 
not, neither is life in them. 



COMMAND VNI. 

That we must flee from evil, and do good. 

I HAVE told thee, said he, that there 
are two kinds of creatures of the 
Lord, and that there is a two-fold ^absti- 

1 Gr. Hi(TT£v(Tris, Lat. Credideris, Believe. mVid. 
Antioch. Horn, cxxvii. 13. « 'Aavyicpnros, With- 
out comparison : or without mixture, o Gr. Ant ; - 
och. p In the Gr. of Antiochus these words follow, 
which make the connection more clear: "Fear also 
the Lord, and thou shalt be able to do it, for," 
q Antioch. Horn, lxxix. 

143 



Flee from evil, 



II. HERMAS. 



and do good. 



nence. From some things therefore 
thou must abstain, and from others not. 

2 I answered, Declare to me, sir, from 
what I must abstain, and from what 
not. Hearken, said he. Keep thyself 
from evil, and do it not ; but abstain not 
from good, but do it. For if thou shalt 
abstain from what is good, and do not 
do it, thou shalt sin. Abstain, there- 
fore from all evil, and thou shalt r know 
all righteousness. 

3 I said, What evil things are they 
from which I must abstain ? Hearken, 
said he ; from adultery ; from drunken- 
ness ; from riots ; from excess of eating ; 
from daintiness and dishonesty; from 
pride ; from fraud ; from lying ; from 
detraction; from hypocrisy; from re- 
membrance of injuries ; and from all evil 
speaking. 

4 For these are the works of iniqui- 
ty ; from which the servant of God must 
abstain. For he that cannot keep himself 
from these things, cannot live unto God, 

5 But hear, said he, what follows of 
these kind of things : for indeed many 
more there are from which the servant 
of God must abstain. From theft, and 
cheating ; from false-witness ; from cov- 
etousness ; from boasting ; and all other 
things of the like nature. 

6 Do these things seem to thee to be 
evil or not ? Indeed they are very evil 
to the servants of God. Wherefore the 
servant of God must abstain from all 
these s works. 

7 Keep thyself therefore from them, 
that thou mayest live unto God, and be 
written among those that abstain from 
them. And thus have I shewn thee 
what things thou must avoid : now learn 
from what thou must not abstain. 

8 Abstain not from any good works, 
but do them. Hear, said he, what the 
virtue of those good w r orks is which 
thou must do, that thou mayest be saved. 
The first of all is faith ; the fear of the 
Lord ; charity ; concord ; equity ; truth ; 
patience ; chastity. 

9 There is nothing better than these 
things in the life of man; l who shall 
keep and do these things in their life. 
Hear next what follow these. 



r Do, according to the Greek, epya^dyevog. sVid. 
Coteler. in loc. t The sense here is defective, and 
may be thus restored from the Greek of Athanasius : 
Whosoever keeps these things, and doth not abstain 
from them, shall be happy in his life. And so the 
Lamb. MS. Heec quicostodierit. *»Gr. dyaOo-rroirjcrig, 
good deed. ▼ HvvnipeTv, 

144 



10 To minister to the widows ; not to 
despise the fatherless and poor ; to re- 
deem the servants of God from necessi- 
ty ; to be hospitable ; (for in hospitality 
there is sometimes u great fruit) not to 
be contentious, but be quiet ; 

11 To be humble above all men ; to 
reverence the aged ; to labour to be 
righteous ; v to respect the brotherhood ; 
to bear affronts ; to be long-suffering ; 
w not to cast away those that have fallen 
from the faith ; but to convert them, and 
make them be of x good cheer ; to admon- 
ish sinners ; not to oppress those that are 
our debtors ; and all other things of a 
like kind. 

12 Do these things seem to thee to be 
good or not ? And I said, What can be 
better than these words ? Live then, said 
he, in these commandments, and do not 
depart from them. For if thou shalt 
keep all these commandments, thou shalt 
live unto God. And all they that shall 
keep these commandments shall live unto 
God. 

COMMAND IX 

That we must ask of God daily ; and without 
doubting. 

AGAIN he said unto me, y remove 
from thee all doubting; and ques- 
tion nothing at all, when thou askest 
anything of the Lord ; saying within thy- 
self, how shall I be able to ask any- 
thing of the Lord, and receive it, seeing 
that I have so greatly sinned against 
him ? 

2 Do not think thus, but turn unto the 
Lord with all thy heart, and ask of him 
without doubting, and thou shalt know 
the mercy of the Lord ; how that he will 
not forsake thee, but will fulfil the re- 
quest of thy soul. 

3 For God is not as men, mindful of 
the injuries he has received ; but he for- 
gets injuries, and has compassion upon 
his creature. 

4 Wherefore purify thy heart from all 
the vices of this present world ; and ob- 
serve the commands I have before deliv- 
ered unto thee from God ; and thou shalt 
receive whatsoever good things thou shalt 
ask, and nothing shall be wanting unto 
thee of all thy petitions ; if thou shalt 
ask of the Lord without doubting;. 



w Add from the Gr. of Athanasius and Antiochus ' 
Not to remember injuries ; To comfort those who la- 
bour in their minds, * 'Evdvfiyg. y Vid. Antioch: 
Horn, lxxxiii. Confer. Fragm. D. Grabe, Spk'iieg 
page 303. 



Of sadness of 



II. HERMAS. 



the heart* 



5 z But they that are not such, shall 
obtain none of those things which they 
ask. For they that are full of faith, ask 
all things with confidence, and receive 
from the Lord, because they ask without 
doubting. But he that doubts, shall 
hardly live unto God, except he repent. 

6 Wherefore purify thy heart from 
doubting, and put on faith ; and trust in 
God ; and thou slialt receive all that thou 
shalt ask. But, and if thou shouldst 
chance to ask somewhat, and not ( a imme- 
diately) receive it, yet do not therefore 
doubt, because thou hast not presently 
received the petition of thy soul. 

7 For it may be thou shalt not pres- 
ently receive it for thy trial, or else for 
some sin which thou knowest not. But 
do not thou leave off to ask, b and then 
thou shalt receive. Else if thou shalt 
cease to ask, thou must complain of thy- 
self, and not of God, that he has not 
given unto thee what thou didst desire. 

8 Consider therefore this doubting how 
cruel and pernicious it is ; and how it 
utterly roots out many from the faith, 
who were very faithful and firm. For 
this doubting is the daughter of the Dev- 
il ; and deals very wickedly with the 
servants of God, 

9 Despise it therefore, and thou shalt 
rule over it c on every occasion. Put on 
a firm and powerful faith : for faith 
promises all things, and perfects all 
things. But doubtmg will not believe, 
that it shall obtain anything, by all 
that it can do. 

10 Thou seest therefore, says he, how 
faith cometh from above, from God ; and 
has great power. But doubting is an 
earthly spirit, and proceedeth from the 
Devil and has no strength. 

1 1 Do thou therefore keep the virtue 
of faith, and depart from doubting, in 
which is no virtue, and thou shalt live 
unto God. And ail shall live unto God, 
as many as shall do these things. 

COMMAND X. 

Of the sadness of the heart ; and that we must take 
heed not to grieve the spirit of God that is in us. 



z Add from the Gr. both of Athanasius and An- 
tiochus : But if thou doubtest in thy heart, thou 
shalt receive none of thy petitions. For those who 
distrust (or, doubt of) God, are like the double-mind- 
ed, who shall obtain none of these things, a So MS. 
Lamb. Tardius accipias : and so the Gr. PpaSvrepnv 
\afx6dveig. b Asking the petition of thy soul, cfn 
every thing. 



PUT all sadness far from thee ; for it 
is the sister of doubting and of an- 
ger. How, sir, said T, is it the sister of 
these ? For sadness and anger, and 
doubting,- seem to me to be very different 
from one another. 

2 And he answered, d Art thou with- 
out sense that thou dost not understand 
it ? for sadness is the most mischievous 
of all spirits, and the worst to the ser- 
vants of God : e It destroys the spiiits of 
all men, and torments the Holy Spirit ; 
and again it saves. 

3 Sir, said I, I am very foolish, and 
understand not these f things. 1 cannot 
apprehend how it can torment and yet 
save ? Hear, said he, and understand. 
They who never sought out the truth, 
nor inquired concerning the majesty of 
God, but only believed, are involved in 
the affairs of the heathen. 

4 And there is another e lying prophet, 
that destroys the h minds of the servants 
of God ; that is of those that are doubt- 
ful, not of those that -fully trust in the 
Lord. Now those doubtful persons come 
to him, as to a divine spirit, and inquire 
of him, what shall befall them. 

5 And this lying prophet, having no 
power in him of the divine spirit, an- 
swers them according to their demands ; 
and fills their souls with promises ac- 
cording as they desire. Howbeit that 
prophet is vain, and answers vain things 
to those who are themselves vain. 

6 And whatsoever is asked of him by 
vain men, he answers them vainly. 

' Nevertheless he speaketh some things 
truly, For the Devil fills him with his 
spirit, that he may overthrow some of 
the righteous. 

7 IT Whosoever therefore are strong 
in the faith of the Lord, and have put on 
the truth ; they are not joined to such 
spirits, but depart from them. But they 
that are doubtful, and often repenting; 
like the heathens, consult them, and heap 
up to themselves great sin, serving idols. 

8 As many therefore as are such, in- 
quire of them upon every occasion ; wor- 
ship idols ; and are foolish, and void of 
the truth. 

9 For every spirit that is given from 
God needs not to be asked ; but having 

d Without sense thou dost not understand it. eSo 
the Lat. Vers. But the Gr. of Athanasius is better: 
And destroyeth man more than any other spirit, 
f Questions. g Vid. Edit. Oxon. p. 70, b. Comp. 2, 
Cor. vii. 10. h Lat. Sensus : from the Gr. NtJf. 

145 



We must not grieve 



II. HERMAS. 



the Spirit of Gocl. 



the power of divinity speaks all things 
of itself ; because he comes from above, 
from the power of the spirit of God. 

10 But he that being asked speaks 
according to men's desires, and concern- 
ing many other affairs of this present 
world, understands not the things which 
relate unto God. For these spirits are 
darkened through such affairs, and cor- 
rupted, and broken. 

1 1 As good vines if they are neglect- 
ed, are oppressed with weeds and thorns, 
and at last killed by them ; so are the 
men who believe such spirits : 

12 They fall into many actions and 
businesses, and are void of sense, * and 
when they think of things pertaining 
unto God, they understand nothing at all : 
but if at any time they chance to hear 
anything concerning the Lord, their 
k thoughts are upon their business. 

1 3 But they that have the fear of the 
Lord, and search out the truth concern- 
ing God, ] having all their thoughts to- 
wards the Lord ; apprehend whatsoever 
is said to them, and forthwith understand 
it, because they have the fear of the Lord 
in them. 

14 For where the spirit of the Lord 
dwells, there is also m much understand- 
ing added. Wherefore join .thyself to 
the Lord, n and thou shalt understand all 
thing's. 

15 IT Learn now, unwise man! how 
sadness ° troubleth the Holy Spirit, and 
how it saves. When a man that is 
doubtful is engaged in any affair, and 
does not accomplish it by reason of his 
doubting ; this sadness enters into him, 
and grieves the Holy Spirit, and makes 
him sad. 

16 Again, anger when it overtakes 
any man for any business, he is greatly 
moved ; p and then again sadness enler- 

i And understand nothing at all, thinking of rich- 
es. Lat. k Senses. 1 Gr. of Athanasius, KapSiav 
I'xovrss u>pos Kvpiov. So that the Latin should be 
Ilabentes, not Habent. m Gr. Hvvtis xoWfi. 
nGr. Holptojv vofiaeis. And so the Lamb. MS. 
Omniascies. oQx.eKTpifiei. MS. Lamb. Contribu- 
Int. p In the Greek of Athanasius, follows, x, 

rroiriar) n kuk6v. And he doth something which is 
ill. Which belter agrees with what follows, Be- 
cause he hath done amiss. The text in this place 
being evidently corrupted, it has been endeavoured 
to restore the true sense of it from the Gr. of Atha- 
nasius, which is as follows : Wd\iv fj \virt] 
ctcr-rropevTrai ti$ r>)j/ KctpSiav t5 dvOpcotrv rS 
dfrxoXfiaavKog, x, Ai>7T£?t<k errl rt) npa^ei avrS 
r\ srrpaj-ev, ^ ixeTavozl on novrjpdv iipydaaro, 

146 



eth into the heart of him, who was mov- 
ed with anger, and he is troubled for 
what he hath done, and repenteth because 
he hath done amiss. 

17 This sadness therefore seemeth to 
bring salvation, because he repenteth of 
his evil deed. But both the other things 
namely, doubting and sadness, such as 
before was mentioned, vex, the spirit ; 
doubting, because his work did not suc- 
ceed ; and sadness, because he angered 
the Holy Spirit. 

18 q Remove therefore sadness, from 
thyself ; r and afflict not the Holy Spirit 
which dwelleth in thee ; lest he s entreat 
God, and depart from thee. For the spir- 
it of the Lord t which is given to dwell 
in the flesh, endureth no such sadness. 

19 Wherefore clothe thyself with 
cheerfulness, which has always favour 
with the Lord, and thou shalt rejoice in 
it. For every cheerful man does well ; 
and relishes those things that are good, 
and despises u sadness. 

20 But the sad man does always 
wickedly. First, he doth wickedly, v be- 
cause he grieveth the Holy Spirit, which is 
given to man being of a cheerful nature. 
And again he does ill, because he prays 
with sadness unto the Lord, and maketh 
not first a thankful acknowledgement 
unto him of former mercies ; and obtains 
not of God what he asks. 

21 For the prayer of a sad man has 
not always efficacy to come up to the 
altar of God. And I said unto him, Sir, 
why has not the prayers of a sad man 
virtue to come up to the altar of God ? 
Because, said he, that sadness remaineth 
in his heart. 

22 When therefore a man's prayer 
shall be accompanied with sadness, it 
will not suffer his requests to ascend 
pure to the altar of God. For as wine 
when it is mingled with vinegar, has not 
the sweetness it had before ; so sadness 
being mixed with the Holy Spirit, suffers 
not a man's prayer to be the same that 
it would be otherwise. 

23 Wherefore cleanse thyself from 
sadness, which is evil, and thou shalt 

n A.vrr] yj/ fj \vnr] SokcT Xcorvpiav ex tlv ) on to 
zovY]pov dpd^as ^ETcev6r}0cv. 'Afuporepai Si roiv 
oypd^eojv \vttSoi, &c. 

q Antioch. Horn. xxv. r Gr. Mr? 6\i6e, MS. 
Lamb. Noli nocere. s Gr. M/) ivrev^rfrrai rd $eai. 
Comp. Rom.vii. 27. *Gr. To SoSev et$ rrjv adpKa, 
ra\xTK]v \virr}v ovk ixocxpepei. u Gr. XvTrrjg. v So 
the Greek: 6 <$£ \vrrrjpds avfip ndvro7rs Ttovripevsxai, 
TlpcoTOv plv TTovnptvcirai^ &c. 



Spirits and prophets II. HERMAS. 

live unto God. And all others shall live 
unto God, as many as shall lay aside 
sadness, and put on cheerfulness. 

COMMAND XL 

That the spirits and prophets are to be tried by their 
works ; and of a two-fold spirit. 

HE shewed me certain men sitting 
upon benches, and one sitting in 
a chair : and he said unto me ; Seest thou 
those who sit upon benches ? Sir, said 
I, I see them. He answered, They are 
the faithful ; and he who sits in a chair, 
is an earthly spirit. 

2 For he cometh not into w the assem- 
bly of the faithful, but avoids it. But 
he joins himself to the doubtful and 
empty ; and prophesies to them in cor- 
ners and hidden places ; and pleases 
them by speaking according to all the 
desires of their hearts. 

3 For he placing himself among empty 
vessels, is not broken, but the one fitteth 
the other. But when he cometh into 
the company of just men, x who are full 
of the spirit of God, and they pray unto 
the Lord ; that man is y emptied, because 
that earthly spirit flies from him, and he 
is dumb, and cannot speak anything. 

4 As if in a store-house you shall 
stop up wine or oil ; and among those 
vessels shall place an empty jar ; and 
shall afterwards come to open it, you 
shall find it empty as you stopped it up : 
so those empty prophets, when they 
come among the spirits of the just, are 
found to be such as they came. 2 

5 IT I said, How then shall a man be 
able to discern them ? Consider what I 
am going to say concerning both kinds 
of a men ; and as I speak unto thee, so 
shalt thou prove the prophet of God, and 
the false prophet. 

6 And first try the man who hath the 
Spirit of God ; because the spirit which 
is from above is humble, and quiet; and 
departs from all wickedness ; and from 
the vain desires of the present world ; 
and makes himself more humble than ail 
men ; and answers to none when he is 
asked ; nor to every one singly : for the 



to be tried by works. 



w Church of the living. * Have the Spirit of God 
in them, y Exinanitur. z Something was wanting 
in this place to make the subject clear, and it was 
suggested to Archbishop Wake, by Dr. Grabe, that 
what should have followed was transposed into the 
nexi command. Accordingly the Archbishop redu- 
ced both places to what he conceived should be their 
true order, and in that state they now stand, a Ves- 
sels. 



Spirit of God doth not speak to a man 
when he will, but when God pleases. 

7 When therefore a man who hath 
the Spirit of God shall come into the 
church of the righteous, who have the 
faith of God, and they pray unto the 
Lord ; then the holy angel of God fills 
that man with the blessecl Spirit, and he 
speaks in the congregation as he is mo- 
ved of God. 

8 Thus therefore is the Spirit of God 
known, because whosoever speaketh by 
the Spirit of God, speaketh as the Lord 
will. 

9 ff Hear now concerning the earthly 
spirit, which is empty and foolish, and 
without virtue. And first of all the men' 
who is supposed to have the Spirit, 
(whereas he hath it not in reality), ex- 
alteth himself, and desires to have the 
first seat, and is wicked, and full of 
words ; 

10 And spends his time in pleasure, 
and in all manner of voluptuousness ; 
and receives the reward of his divina- 
tion ; which if he receives not, he does 
not divine. 

11 Should the Spirit of God receive 
reward and divine ? It doth become a 
prophet of God so to do. 

12 Thus you see the life of each of 
these kind of prophets. Wherefore prove 
that man by his life and works, who 
says that he hath the Holy Spirit. And 
believe the Spirit which comes from God, 
and has power as such. But believe not 
the earthly and empty spirit, which is 
from the devil, in whom there is no faith 
nor virtue. 

13 Hear now the similitude which I 
am about to speak unto thee. Take a 
stone, and throw it up towards heaven ; 
or take a spout of water, and .mount it 
up thitherward ; and see if thou canst 
reach unto heaven. 

14 Sir, said 1, How can this be done ? 
For neither of those things which you 
have mentioned, are possible to be done. 
And he answered, therefore as these 
things cannot be done, so is the earthly 
spirit without virtue, and without effect. 

15 Understand yet farther the power 
which cometh from above, in this simili- 
tude. The grains of hail that drop down 
are exceeding small ; and yet when they 
fall upon the head of a man, how do 
they cause pain to it ? 

16 And again ; consider the droppings 
of a house ; how the little drops falling 

147 



God's commands 



II. HERMAS. 



not impossible. 



upon the earth, work a hollow in the 
stones 

17 So in like manner the least things 
which come from above, and fall upon 
the earth, have great force. Wherefore 
join thyself to this spirit, which has 
power ; and depart from the other which 
is empty. 

COMMAND XII. 

Of a two-fold desire : that the commands of God are 
not impossible : and that the devil is not to be 
feared by them that believe. 

AGAIN he said unto me ; b remove 
from thee all evil desires, and put 
on good and holy desires. For having 
put on a good desire, thou shalt hate 
that which is evil, and bridle it as thou 
wilt. But an evil desire is dreadful, and 
hard to be tamed. 

2 It is very horrible and wild ; and by 
its wildness consumes men. And espe- 
cially if a servant of God shall chance to 
fall into it, except he be very wise, he 
c is ruined by it. For it destroys those 
who have not the garment of a good de- 
sire ; and d are engaged in the affairs of 
this present world; and delivers them 
unto death. 

3 e Sir, said 1, What are the works of 
an evil desire, which bring men unto 
death ? Shew them to me, that I may 
depart from them. Hear, said he, by 
what works an evil desire bringeth the 
servants of God unto death. 

4 First of all, it is an evil desire to 
covet another man's wife ; or for a wo- 
man to covet another's husband ; as also 
to desire the dainties of riches ; and mul- 
titude of superfluous meats ; and drunk- 
enness ; and many delights. 

5 For in much delicacy there is folly ; 
and many pleasures are needless to the 
servants of God. Such lusting therefore 
is evil and pernicious, which brings to 
death the servants of God. For all such 
lusting is from the devil. 

6 Whosoever therefore shall depart 
from all evil desires, shall live unto God ; 
but they that are subject unto them shall 
die for ever. For this evil lusting is 
deadly. Do thou therefore put on the de- 

l> Vid. Antioch. Horn, lxxiv. c MS. Lamb. Con- 
sumitur, et Gr. Athanas. Saxavarat. d Gr. Atha- 
nas. in7re8vpfjL£vov ; t6j di&vi tovtco. Instead of 
Implicateos, the Lat. Vers, should be Tmplicatos. 
fThat the words here inserted, and removed into 
their proper place in the foregoing Command, do 
not belong to this Discourse, the Greek of Athana- 
sius, in which they are all omitted, clearly shows. 

148 



sire of righteousness, and being armed 
with the fear of the Lord resist all wick- 
ed lusting. 

7 For this fear dwelleth in good de- 
sires ; and when evil coveting shall see 
thee armed with the fear of the Lord, 
and resisting it, it will fly far from thee, 
and not appear before thee, but be afraid 
of thy armour ; 

8 And thou shalt have the victory, 
and be crowned for it ; and shalt attain 
unto that desire which is good ; and shalt 
give the victory which thou hast obtained 
unto God, and shall serve him in doing 
what thou thyself wouldest do. 

9 For if thou shalt serve good desires, 
and be subject to them, thou shalt be 
able to get the dominion over thy wicked 
lustings ; and the} T shall be subject to thee 
as thou wilt. 

10 IF And I said; Sir, I would know 
how to serve that desire which is good ? 
Hearken, said he, Fear God, and put thy 
trust in him, and love truth, and right- 
eousness, and do that which is good. 

1 1 If thou shalt do these things, thou 
shalt be an approved servant of God ; 
and shalt serve him : and all others who 
shall in like manner serve a good desire, 
shall live unto God. 

12 IT And when he had fulfilled these 
twelve commands, he said unto me, Thou 
hast now these commands, walk in them ; 
and exhort those that hear them that they 
repent, and that they keep their repent- 
ance pure all the remaining days of their 
life. 

13 And fulfil diligently this ministry 
which I commit to thee, and thou shalt 
receive great advantage by it ; and shalt 
find favour with all such as shall repent, 
and shall believe thy words. For I am 
with thee, and will force them to believe. 

14 And 1 said unto him, Sir, these 
commands are great and excellent, and 
able to cheer the heart of that man that 
shall be able to keep them But, sir, I 
cannot tell, whether they can be observed 
by any man ? 

15 He answered, Thou shalt easily 
keep these commands, and they shall not 
be hard : howbcit, if thou shalt sutler it 
once to enter into thy heart that they can- 
not be kept by any one, thou shalt not 
fulfil them. 

16 But now I say unto thee, if thou 
shalt not observe these commands, but 
shalt neglect them, thou shalt not be 
saved, nor thy children, nor thy house : 



Believers not to 



II. HERMAS. 



fear the devil 



because thou hast judged that these com- 
mands cannot be kept by man. 

17 11 These things he spake very an- 
grily unto me, insomuch that he greatly 
affrighted me. For he changed his coun- 
tenance, so that a man could not bear his 
anger. 

18 And when he saw me altogether 
troubled and confounded, he began to 
speak more moderately and cheerfully, 
saying, foolish, and without under- 
standing ! 

19 Unconstant, not knowing the ma- 
jesty of God, how great and wonderful 
he is : who created the world for man, 
and hath made every creature subject 
unto him ; and given him all power, that 
he should be able to f fulfil all these com- 
mands. 

20 He is able, said he, to f fulfil all 
these commands, who has the Lord in his 
heart : but they who have the Lord only 
in their mouths, and their heart is hard- 
ened, and they are far from the Lord ; to 
such persons these commands are hard 
and difficult. 

21 Put therefore, ye that are empty 
and light in the faith, the Lord your God 
in your hearts; and ye shall perceive how 
that nothing is more easy than these com- 
mands, nor more pleasant, nor more gen- 
tle and holy. 

22 And turn yourselves to the Lord 
your God, and forsake the devil and his 
pleasures, because they are evil, and bit- 
ter, and impure. And fear not the devil, 
because he has no power over you. 

23 For I am with you, the s messen- 
ger of repentance, who have the domin- 
ion over him. The devil doth indeed af- 
fright men; but his terror is vain. 
Wherefore fear him not, and he will flee 
from you. 

24 IT And I said unto him ; Sir, hear 
me speak a few words unto you. He 
answered, Say on : A man indeed desires 
to keep the commandments of God ; and 
there is no one but what prays unto God, 
that he may be able to keep his com- 
mandments. 

25 But the devil is hard, and by his 
power rules over the servants of God. 
And he said ; He cannot rule over the 
servants of God, k who trust in him with 
all their hearts. . 

26 The devil may strive, but he can- 
not overcome them. 



f Ut dominetur. 
CIS 'AvnSv. 



S Angel. h Gr. iXrtgdwrcov 



27 For if ye resist him, he will flee 
away with confusion from you. But 
they that are not full in the faith, fear the 
devil, as if he had some great power. 
For the devil tries the servants of God ; 
and if he finds them empty, he destroys 
them. 

28 For as a man, when he fills up ves- 
sels with good wine, ' and among them 
puts a few vessels half full, and comes 
to try and taste of the vessels, doth not 
try those that are full, because he knows 
that they are good ; but tastes those 
that are half full, lest they should grow 
sour; (for vessels half full soon grow 
sour, and lose the taste of w T ine :) so the 
devil comes to the servants of God to try 
them. 

29 They that are full of faith resist 
him stoutly, and he departs from them, 
because he finds no place where to enter 
into them : then he goes to those that are 
not full of faith, and because he has 
place of entrance, he goes into them, and 
does what he will with them, and they 
become his servants. 

30 ^ But I, the k messenger of re- 
pentance, say unto you, fear not the devil. 
For I am sent unto you, that I may be 
with you, as many as shall repent with 
your whole heart, and that I may con- 
firm yon in the faith. 

31 Relieve therefore, ye who by rea- 
son of your transgressions have m forgot 
God, and your own salvation ; and n ad- 
ding to your sins, have made your life 
very heavy ; 

32 That if ye shall turn to the Lord 
with your whole hearts, and shall serve 
him according to his will ; he will heal 
you of your former sins, and ye shall 
have dominion over all the works of the 
devil. 

33 Be not then afraid in the least of 
his threatenings, for they are without 
force, as the nerves of a dead man. But 
hearken unto me, and fear the Lord Al- 
mighty, who is able to save and to des- 
troy you ; and keep his commands, that 
ye may live unto God. 

34 And I said unto him; Sir, 1 am 
now confirmed in all the commands of 
the Lord whilst that you are with me; 
and I know that you will break all the 
power of the devil. 

i Origen, in Matt, xxiv. 42. k Angel. 1 Vid. An- 
tioch. Horn, lxxvii. m MS. Lamb. Qui obliti estis 
Deum, et salutem vestram. n What follows should 
be corrected thus : Et qui adjicientes peccatis ve&- 
tris, gravatis vitam vestram. 

149 



Of the world HI. HERMAS. 

35 And we also shall overcome him, 
if we shall be able, through the help of 
the Lord, to keep these commands which 
you have delivered. 

36 Thou shalt keep them, said he, if 



to come. 



thou shalt purify thy heart towards the 
Lord. And all they also shall keep 
them who shall cleanse their hearts from 
the vain desires of the present world, 
and shall live unto God. 



The Third Book of HERMAS, which is called his SIMILI- 
TUDES. 



SIMILITUDE I. 

That seeing we have no abiding city in this world, 
i we ought to look after that which is to come. 

AND he said unto me ; a Ye know 
that ye who are the servants of the 
Lord, live here as in a pilgrimage ; for 
your city is far off from this city. 

2 If, therefore, ye know your city in 
which ye are to dwell, why do ye here 
buy estates, and provide yourselves with 
delicacies, and stately buildings, and 
superfluous houses ? For he that pro- 
vides himself these things in this city, 
does not think of returning into his own 
city. 

3 foolish, and doubtful, and wretch- 
ed man : who understandest not that all 
these things belong to other men, and 
are under the power of another. For 
the Lord of this city saith unto thee ; 
Either obey my laws, or depart out of 
my city. 

4 What therefore shalt thou do who 
art subject to a law in thine own city ? 
Canst thou for thy estate, or for any of 
those things which thou hast provided, 
deny thy law ? But if thou shalt deny 
it, and wilt afterwards return into thy 
own city, thou shalt not be received, but 
shalt be excluded thence. 

5 See therefore, that like a man in 
another country, thou procure no more 
to thyself than what is necessary, and 
sufficient for thee ; and be ready, that 
when the God or Lord of this city shall 
drive thee out of it, thou mayest oppose 
his law, and go into thine own city ; 



a Antioch. Horn, xv^ 



150 



where thou mayest with all cheerfulness 
live according to thine own law without 
wrong. 

6 Take heed therefore ye that serve 
God, and have him in your hearts : work 
ye the works of God, being mindful both 
of his commands and of his promises, 
which he has promised ; and be "assured 
that he will make them good unto you ; 
if ye shall keep his commandments. 

7 Instead therefore of the possessions 
that ye would otherwise purchase, re- 
deem b those that are in want from their 
necessities, as every one is able ; justify 
the widows ; judge the cause of the fath- 
erless ; and spend your riches and your 
wealth in such works as these. 

8 For, for this end has God enriched 
you, that ye might fulfil these kind of 
services. It is much better to do this, 
than to buy lands or houses ; because all 
such things shall perish with this present 
time. 

9 But what ye shall do for the name 
of the Lord, ye shall find in your city, 
and shall have joy without sadness or 
fear. Wherefore covet not the riches of 
the heathen ; for they are destructive to 
the servants of God. 

10 c But trade with your own riches 
which you possess, by which ye may at- 
tain unto everlasting joy*. 

1 1 And do not commit adultery, nor 
touch any other man's wife, nor desire 
her ; but covet that which is thy own bu- 
siness, and thou shalt be saved. 



b Souls. c MS. Lambeth. Proprias autem qua? 
lntbetis agite. 



The rich helped by 



III. HERMAS. 



the prayers of the poor. 



SIMILITUDE II. 



As the vine is supported by the elm, so is the rich 
man helped by the prayers of the poor. 

AS I was walking into the field, and 
considered the ehn and the vine, and 
thought with myself of their fruits, an 
angel appeared unto me, and said unto 
me ; What is it that thou thinkest upon 
thus long within thyself ? 

2 And I said unto him, Sir, I think of 
this vine and this elm, because their fruits 
are fair. And he said unto me ; d These 
two trees are set for a pattern to the ser- 
vants of God. 

3 And I said unto him : Sir, I would 
know in what pattern of these trees which 
thou mentionest does consist. Hearken, 
said he ; seest thou this vine and this 
elm ? Sir, said I, I see them. 

4 This vine, saith he, is fruitful, but 
the elm is a tree without fruit. Never- 
theless this vine unless it were set by this 
elm, and supported by it, would not bear 
much fruit; but lying along upon the 
ground, would bear but ill fruit, because 
it did not hang upon the elm : whereas, 
now being supported upon the elm, it 
bears fruit both for itself, and for that. 

5 See, therefore, how the elm gives no 
less, but rather more fruit, than the vine. 
How, sir, said 1, does it bear more fruit 
than the vine ? Because, said he, the 
vine being supported upon the elm gives 
both much and good fruit : whereas, if it 
lay along upon the ground, it would bear 
but little, and that very ill too. 

6 This similitude, therefore, is set 
forth to the servants of God ; and it rep- 
resents the rich and poor man. I an- 
swered, Sir, make this manifest unto me. 
Hear, said he ; the rich man has wealth ; 
howbeit towards the Lord he is poor ; for 
he is e taken up about his riches, and 
prays but little to the Lord ; and the pray- 
ers which he makes are lazy and without 
force. 

7 When, therefore the rich man reach- 
es out to the poor those things which he 
wants, the poor man prays unto the Lord 
for the rich ; and God grants unto the 
rich man all good things, because the 
poor man is rich in prayer : and his re- 
quests have great power with the Lord. 

8 Then the rich man ministers all 
things to the poor, because he perceives 
that he is heard by the Lord ; and he the 

d Vid. Origen. in Jos. Horn. x. e Distracted. 



more willingly and without doubting, af- 
fords him what he wants, and takes care 
that nothing be lacking to him. 

9 And the poor man gives thanks unto 
the Lord for the rich ; because they do 
both their work from the Lord. 

10 With men, therefore, the elm is not 
thought to give any fruit ; and they know 
not, neither understand that its company 
being added to the vine, the vine bears a 
double increase, both for itself and for the 
elm. 

1 1 Even so the poor praying unto the 
Lord for the rich, are heard by him ; and 
their riches are increased because they 
minister to the poor of their wealth. They 
are, therefore, both made partakers of 
each other's good works. 

12 Whosoever, therefore, shall do 
these things, he shall not be forsaken by 
the Lord, but shall be written in the book 
of life. 

13 Happy are they who are rich, and 
perceive themselves to be increased : for 
he that is sensible of this will be able to 
minister somewhat to others. 

SIMILITUDE III. 

As the green trees in the winter cannot be distin- 
guished from the dry ; so neither can the righteous 
from the wicked in this present world. 

AGAIN he shewed me many trees 
whose leaves were shed, and which 
seemed to me to be withered, for they 
were all alike. And he said unto me, 
Seest thou these trees ? I said, Sir, I see 
that they look like dry trees. 

2 He answering, said unto me ; These 
trees are like unto the men who live in 
this present world. I replied ; Sir, why 
are they like unto dried trees? Because, 
said he, neither the righteous, nor un- 
righteous, are known from one another ; 
but are all alike in this present world. 

3 For this world is as the winter to the 
righteous men, f because they are not 
known, but dwell among sinners. 

4 As in the winter, all the trees having 
lost their leaves, are like dry trees ; nor 
can it be discerned which are dry, and 
which are green : so in this present world 
neither the righteous, nor wicked, are dis- 
cerned from each other ; but they are all 
alike. 

SIMILITUDE IV. 

As in the summer the living trees are distinguished 
from the dry by their fruit and green leaves ; so 



f Who are. 



151 



Of believers fruits. 



III. HERMAS. 



Of a true fasti 



in the world to come the righteous shall be distin- 
guished from the unrighteous by their happiness. 

AGAIN he shewed me many other 
trees, of which some had leaves, 
and others appeared dry and withered. 
And he said unto me, Seest thou these 
trees ? I answered, Sir, I see them ; and 
some are dry and others full of leaves. 

2 These trees, saith he, which are 
green, are the righteous, which shall pos- 
sess the world to come, is the summer to 
the righteous ; but to sinners it is the win- 
ter. 

3 When, therefore, the mercy of the 
Lord shall shine forth, then they who 
serve God shall be made manifest and 
plain unto all. For as in the summer 
the fruit of every tree is shewn and made 
manifest, so also the works of the right- 
eous, shall be declared and made mani- 
fest, and they shall all be restored in that 
world merry and joyful. 

4 For the other kind of men, namely 
the wicked, like the trees which thou 
sawest dry, shall as such be found dry 
and without fruit in that other world ; and 
it shall be made manifest that they have 
done evil all the time of their life ; 

5 And they shall be burnt because 
they have sinned and have not repented 
of their sins. And also all the other na- 
tions shall be burnt, because they have 
not acknowledged God their Creator. 

6 Do thou, therefore, bring forth good 
fruit, that in the summer thy fruit may be 
known ; and keep thyself from much bu- 
siness, and thou shalt not offend. For 
they who are involved in much business, 
sin much ; because they are taken up 
with their affairs, and serve not God. 

7 And how can a man that does not 
serve God, ask any thing of God and re- 
ceive it ? But they who serve him, ask 
and receive what they desire. 

8 But, if a man has only one thing to 
follow, he may serve God, because his 
mind is not taken off from God, but he 
serves him with a pure mind. 

9 If, therefore, thou shah do this, thou 
mayest have fruit in the world to come ; 
and all, as many as shall do in like man- 
ner, shall bring forth fruit. 

SIMILITUDE V. 

Of a true fust, and the rewards of it ; also of the 
cleanliness of the body. 



S I was fasting, and sitting down 
l a certain mountain, and ~ ; " ; 



152 



S Nations. 



Ill 

giving 



thanks unto God for all the things that 
he had done h unto me ; behold I saw the 
shepherd who was wont to converse with 
me, sitting by me, and saying unto me : 
What has brought thee hither thus early 
in the morning ? I answered, Sir, to-day 
I keep a ' station. 

2 He answered, What is a station ? I 
replied, It is a fast. He said, What is 
that fast ? I answered, I fast, as I have 
been wont to do. Ye know not, said he, 
what it is to fast unto God ; nor is this a 
fast which ye fast, profiting nothing with 
God. 

3 Sir, said I, what makes you speak 
thus ? He replied, I speak it, because 
this is not the true fast which you think 
that you fast ; but I will shew you what 
that is which is a k complete fast and ac- 
ceptable unto God. 

4 Hearken, said he, The Lord does not 
desire such a needless fast : for fasting in 
this manner, thou advancest nothing in 
righteousness. 

5 l But the true fast is this : Do no- 
thing wickedly in thy life, but serve God 
with a pure mind ; and keep his com- 
mandments, and walk according to his 
precepts, nor suffer any wicked desire to 
enter into thy mind. 

6 But trust in the Lord that if thou dost 
these things, and fearest him, and abstain- 
est from every evil work, thou shalt live 
unto God. 

7 If thou shalt do this thou shalt per- 
fect a great fast, and an acceptable one 
unto the Lord. 

8 1T Hearken unto the similitude which 
I am about to propose unto thee, as to 
this matter. 

9 A certain man having a farm and 
many servants, planted a vineyard in a 
certain part of his estate for his posterity: 

10 And taking a journey into a far 
country, chose one of his servants which 
he thought the most faithful and approv- 
ed, and delivered the vineyard into his 
care; commanding him that he should 
stake up his vines. Which if he did, and 
fulfilled his command, he promised to 
give him his liberty. Nor did he com- 
mand him to do any thing more; and so 
went into a far country. 

11 After then that that servant had ta- 
ken that charge upon him ; he did what- 
soever his lord commanded him. And 



h With me. i Vid. Not. Coteler. in loc. pp. 72, 
73. k Coteler. Ibid. 1 Jejuna cerre verum jejunium 
tale. Lat. 



and of its 



III. HERMAS. 



rewards. 



when he had staked the vineyard, and 
found it to be full of weeds, he began to 
think with himself, saying ; 

12 I have done what my lord com- 
manded me : I will now dig this vine- 
yard, and when it is digged, it will be 
more beautiful ; and the weeds being 
pulled up, it will bring forth more fruit, 
and not be choked by the weeds. 

13 So setting about this work he dig- 
ged it, and plucked up all the weeds that 
were in it ; and so the vineyard became 
very beautiful and prosperous, not being 
choked with weeds. 

14 After some time the lord of the 
vineyard comes and goes into the vine- 
yard, and when he saw that it was hand- 
somely staked, and digged, and the weeds 
plucked up that were in it, and the vines 
flourishing, he rejoiced greatly at the care 
of his servant. 

15 And calling his son whom he loved, 
and who was to be his heir, and his 
friends with whom he was wont to con- 
sult; he tells them what he had com- 
manded his servant to do, and what his 
servant had done more ; and they imme- 
diately congratulated that servant, that he 
had received so m full a testimony from 
his lord. 

16 Then he said unto them, I indeed 
promised this servant his liberty, if he 
observed the command which I gave him ; 
and he observed it, and besides has done 
a good work to my vineyard, which has 
exceedingly pleased me. 

17 Wherefore for this work which he 
hath done, 1 will make him my heir to- 
gether with my son ; because that when 
he saw what was good, he neglected it 
not, but did it. 

18 This design of the lord both his son 
and his friends approved, namely, that 
his servant should be heir together with 
his son. 

19 Not long after this, the master of 
the family calling together his friends, 
sent from his supper several kinds of 
food to that servant. 

20 Which vvhen he had had received, 
he took so much of them as was suffi- 
cient for himself, and divided the rest 
among his fellow servants. 

21 Which when they had received, 
they rejoiced ; and wished that he might 
find yet greater favour with his lord, for 
what he had done to them. 

m Just a commendation. 



22 When his lord heard all these 
things, he was again filled with great joy; 
and calling again his friends and his son 
together, he related to them what his ser- 
vant had done with the meats which he 
had sent unto him. 

23 They therefore so much the more 
assented to the master of the household ; 
that he ought to make that servant his 
heir together with his son. 

24 H' I said unto him, Sir, I know not 
these similitudes, neither can I understand 
them, unless you expound them unto me. 
I will, says he, expound all things unto 
thee, whatsoever I have talked with thee 
or shown unto thee. 

25 Keep the commandments of the 
Lord and thou shalt be approved, and 
shalt be written in the number of those 
that keep his commandments. But if be- 
sides those things which the Lord hath 
commanded, thou shalt add some good 
thing ; thou shalt purchase to thyself a 
greater dignity, and be in more favour 
with the Lord than thou shouldest other- 
wise have been. 

26 If therefore thou shalt keep the 
commandments of the Lord, and shalt 
add to them these stations, thou shalt re- 
joice ; but especially if thou shalt keep 
them according to my commands. 

27 I said unto him, Sir, whatsoever 
thou shalt command me, I will observe ; 
for I know that thou wilt be with me. I 
will, said he, with thee, who hast taken 
up such such a resolution ; and I will be 
with all those who purpose in iike man- 
ner. 

28 This fast, saith he, whilst thou 
dost also observe the commandments of 
the Lord, is exceeding good. Thus there- 
fore shalt thou keep it. 

29 First of all, take heed to thyself, 
and keep thyself from every ■ wicked act 
and from every filthy word, and from ev- 
ery hurtful desire ; and purify thy mind 
from all the vanity of this present world. 
If thou shalt observe these things, this 
fast shall be right. 

30 Thus therefore do. Having per- 
formed what is before written, that day 
on which thou fastest thou shalt taste no- 

! thing at all but ° bread and water ; p and 
computing the quantity of food which 
thou art wont to eat upon other days, thou 
shalt lay aside the expense which thou 

n Shameful : or upbraiding. o Viil. XoL I 
I ii. p. 74. A. B, C p Vid. Antioch. 



Expounding 



III. HERMAS. 



the parable. 



shouldest have made that day, and give 
it unto the widow, the fatherless, and the 
poor. 

31 And thus thou shalt perfect the 
humiliation of thy soul ; that he who re- 
ceives of it may satisfy his soul, and his 
prayer come up to the Lord God for thee. 

32 If therefore thou shalt thus accom- 
plish thy fas^, as I command thee, thy 
sacrifice shall he acceptable unto the lord, 
and thy fast shall be written in this book. 

33 This station, thus performed, is 
good and pleasing and acceptable unto the 
Lord. These things if thou shalt observe 
with thy children, and with all thy house, 
thou shalt be happy. 

34 And whosoever, when they hear 
these things, shall do them, they also 
shall be happy ; and whatsoever they 
6hall ask of the Lord they shall receive it. 

25 And I prayed him that he would 
expound unto me the similitude of the 
farm, and the lord, and of the vineyard, 
and of the servant that had staked the 
vineyard ; and of the weeds that w T ere 
plucked out of the vineyard ; and of his 
son and his friends which he took into 
counsel with him. For I understood 
that that w r as a similitude. 

36 He said unto me, Thou art very 
bold in asking ; for thou oughtest not to 
ask any thing ; because if it be fitting to 
shew it unto thee, it shall be shewed un- 
to thee. 

37 I answered him ; Sir, whatsoever 
thou shalt shew me, without explaining 
it unto me, I shall in vain see it, if I do 
not understand what it is. And if thou 
shalt propose any similitudes, and not ex- 
pound them, I shall in vain hear them. 

38 He answered me again, saying . 
Whosoever is the servant of God, and has 
the Lord in his heart, he desires under- 
standing of him, and receives it ; and he 
explains every similitude, and under- 
stands the words of the Lord which need 
an inquiry. 

39 But they that are lazy and slow to 
pray, doubt to seek from the Lord ; al- 
though the Lord be of such an extraor- 
dinary goodness, that without ceasing he 
giveth all things to them that ask of 
him. 

40 Thou therefore who art strength- 
ened by that venerable messenger, and 
hast received such a powerful gift of 
prayer ; seeing thou art not slothful, why 
dost thou not now ask understanding of 
the Lord, and receive it ? 

154 



41 I said unto him ; seeing I have thee 
present, it is necessary that I should 
seek it of thee, and ask thee ; for thou 
shevvest all things unto me, and speak- 
est to me w r hen thou art present. 

42 But if I should see or hear these 
things when thou w r ert not present, I 
would then ask the Lord that he would 
shew them unto me. 

43 IT And he replied, I said a little be- 
fore that thou wert subtle and bold, in 
that thou askest the meaning of these si- 
militudes. 

44 But because thou still persistest ; I 
will unfold to thee this parable which 
thou desirest, that thou mayest make it 
known unto all men. 

45 Hear, therefore, said he, and under- 
stand. The farm before mentioned de- 
notes the whole earth. The Lord of the 
farm is he, who created and finished all 
things ; and gave virtue unto them. 

46 His son is the Holy Spirit : the 
servant is the son of God : the vineyard 
is the people whom he saves. The stakes 
are i the messengers w T hich are set over 
them by the Lord, to support his people. 
The weeds that are plucked up out of the 
vineyard, are the sins which the servants 
of God had committed. 

47 The food which he sent him from 
his supper, are the commands which he 
gave to his people by his Son. The 
friends whom he called to counsel with 
him are the holy angels whom he first 
created. The absence of the master of 
the household, is the time that remains 
unto his coming. 

48 I said unto him, Sir, all these 
things are very excellent, and wonderful, 
and good. But, continued I, could I, or 
any other man besides, though never so 
wise, have understood these things ? 

49 Wherefore now, sir, tell me what I 
ask. He replied, Ask me what thou 
wilt. Why, said I, is the Son of God, 
in this parable, put in the place of a ser- 
vant ? 

50 Hearken, said he ; the Son of God 
is not put in the condition of a servant, 
but in great power and authority. 1 
said unto him, How sir ? I understand 
it not. 

51 Because, said he, the Son set his 
i messengers over those w r hom the Father 
delivered unto him, to keep every one of 
them; but he himself laboured very 

q Angels. 



Of cleanliness 



III. HERMAS. 



of the body. 



much, and suffered much, that he might 
hlot out their offences. 

52 For no vineyard can be digged with- 
out much labour and pains. Wherefore 
having blotted out the sins of his people, 
he shewed to them the paths of life, giv- 
ing them the law which he had received 
of the Father. 

53 You see, said he, that he is the 
Lord of his people, having received all 
power from his Father. r But why the 
lord did take his son into counsel about 
dividing the inheritance, and the good 
angels, hear now. 

54 That "Holy Spirit which was crea- 
ted first of all, he placed in the body in 
which God should dwell; namely, in a 
chosen body, as it seemed good to him. 
This body, therefore into which the s Ho- 
ly Spirit was brought, served that Spirit, 
walking rightly and purely in modesty ; 
nor ever defiled that Spirit. 

56 Seeing therefore the body at all 
times obeyed the Holy Spirit, and labor- 
ed rightly and chastely with him, nor fal- 
tered at any time ; that body being wea- 
ried conversed indeed servilely, but being 
mightily approved to God with the Holy 
Spirit, was accepted by him. 

56 For such a stout course pleased 
God, because he was not defiled in the 
earth, keeping the Holy Spirit. He call- 
ed therefore, to counsel his Son, and the 
good angels, that there might be some 
place of standing given to this body 
which had served the Holy Spirit with- 
out blame ; lest it should seem to have 
lost the reward of its service. 

57 For every pure body shall receive 
its reward ; that is found without spot 
in which the Holy Spirit has been ap- 
pointed to dwell. And thus you have 
now the exposition of this parable also. 

58 Sir, said I, I now understand your 
meaning, since I have heard this exposi- 
tion. Hearken, farther, said he : keep 
this thy body clean and pure, that the 
Spirit which shall dwell in it may bear 
witness unto it, and be judged to have 
been with thee. 

59 Also take heed that it be not in- 

r This place, which, in ail the editions of Hermas, 
is wretchedly corrupted, by the collation of editions 
and MS. is thus corrected by Br. Grabe : u Q,uare 
autum Dominus in consilio adhibuerit, filium de 
hcereditate, honestosque nuncios, audi : Spiritum 
Sanctum, qui creatus est omnium primus, in corpore. 
in quo habitaret Deus, collocavit ; in delecto scili- 
cet corpore quod ei vebatur." » Viz. the created 
Spirit of Christ, as man ; not the Holy Ghost, the 
Third Person of the sacred Trinity. 

155 



Grilled into thy mind that this body per- 
ishes, and thou abuse it to any lust. For 
if thou shalt defile thy body, thou shalt 
also at the same time defile the Holy Spir- 
it; and if thou shalt defile l the Holy 
Spirit, thou shalt not live. 

60 And I said, what if through igno- 
rance this should have been already com- 
mitted, before a man heard these words ; 
How can he attain unto salvation, who 
has thus defiled his body ? 

61 He replied, As for men's former 
actions, which through ignorance they 
have committed, God only can afford a 
remedy unto them ; for all power belong- 
eth unto him. 

62 But now guard thyself ; and see- 
ing God is almighty and merciful, he 
will grant a remedy to what thou hast 
formerly done amiss, if for the time to 
come thou shalt not defile thy body and 
spirit : 

63 For they are companions together, 
and the one cannot be defiled but the 
other will be so too. Keep therefore 
both of them pure, and thou shalt live 
unto God. 

SIMILITUDE VI. 

Of two sorts of voluptuous men, and of their death, 
defection, and of the continuance of their pains, 

AS I was sitting at home, and prais- 
ing God for all the things which I 
had seen ; and was thinking concerning 
the commands, that they were exceeding 
good, and great, and honest, and pleas- 
ant ; and such as were able to bring a 
man to salvation ; I said thus within 
myself ; I shall be happy if I shall walk 
according to these commands, and who- 
soever shall walk in them shall live unto 
God. 

2 Whilst I was speaking on this wise 
within myself, I saw him whom I had 
before been wont to see, sitting by me ; 
and he spake thus unto me ; 

3 What doubtest thou concerning my 
commands which I have delivered unto 
thee ? They are good, doubt not, but 
trust in the Lord, and thou shalt walk in 
them. For I will give thee strength u to 
fulfil them. 

4 These commands are profitable to 
those who shall repent of those sins 
which they have formerly committed ; if 
for the time to come they shall not con- 
tinue in them. 

t Thy body, according to some copies. » In them. 



Of two sorts of 



HI. HERMAS. 



\x)2uptuous men, 



5 Whosoever therefore ye be that re- 
pent, cast away from you the naughti- 
ness of the present world : and put on 
all virtue, and righteousness, and so 
shall ye be able to keep these com- 
mands ; and not sin from henceforth any 
more. 

6 For if ye shall keep yourselves 
from sin for the time to come, ye shall 
cut off a great deal of your former sins. 
Walk in my commands, and ye shall 
live unto God : These things have I spo- 
ken unto you. 

7 And when he had said this, he 
added ; let us go into the field, and I will 
shew thee shepherds of sheep. I re- 
plied, Sir, let us go. 

8 And we came into a certain field, 
and there he shewed me a young shep- 
herd, T finely arrayed, with his garments 
of a purple colour. And he Fed large 
flocks ; and his sheep were full of plea- 
sure, and in much delight and cheerful- 
ness ; and they skipping, ran here and 
there. 

9 And the shepherd took very great 
satisfaction in his llock ; and the counte- 
nance of that shepherd was cheerful, 
running up and down among his flock. 

10 IT Then the angel said unto me, 
' See?t thou this shepherd ? I answered, 

Sir, I see him. He said unto me, this is^ 
the w messenger of delight and pleasure. 
He therefore corrupts the minds of the 
servants of God, and turns them from 
the truth, delighting them with many 
pleasures, and they perish. 

1 1 For they forget the commands of 
the living God, and live in luxury and in 
vain pleasures ; and are corrupted hy this 
evil angel, some of them even unto 
death ; and others to * a falling away. 

12 I replied ; I understand not what 
you mean, by saying unto death, and to 
a falling away. Hear, says he : All 
those sheep which thou sawest exceed- 
ing y joyful, are such as have forever de- 
parted from God, and given themselves 
up to the z lusts of this present time. 

13 To these therefore there is no re- 
turn, by repentance, unto life ; because 
that to their other sins they have added 
this, that they have blasphemed the name 
of the Lord. These kind of men are 
ordained unto death. 



* Vid. Annot. Coteler. in loc. w Angel, x Ad. 
defectionem, Lat. J Exsultantia, Lat. z In Gr 
Athanas. iTtiBv^iais t5 'A-iuvostutu. 

156 



14 But those sheep which thou saw- 
est not leaping but feeding in one place ; 
are such as have indeed given themselves 
up to pleasures and delights ; but have 
not spoken anything wickedly against 
the Lord. 

15 These therefore are only fallen off 
from the truth, and so have yet hope laid 
up for them in repentance. For such a 
falling off' hath some hope still left of a 
renewal ; but they that are dead, are ut- 
terly gone for ever. 

16 And again he went a little farther 
forward : and he shewed me a great 
a shepherd, who had as it were a rustic 
figure ; clad with a white goat's skin, 
having his bag upon his shoulder, and in 
his hand a stick full of knots, and veiy 
hard, and a whip in his other hand ; and 
his countenance was stern and sour ; 
enough to affright a man ; such was his 
look. 

17 He took from that young shepherd 
such sheep as lived in pleasures, but 
did not skip up and down ; and drove 
them into a steep craggy place, full of 
thorns and briers, insomuch that they 
could not get themselves free from them ; 

18 But being entangled in them, fed 
upon thorns and briers, and were griev- 
ously tormented with his whipping For 
he still drove them on, and afforded them 
not any place, or time, to stand still. 

19 IT When therefore I saw them so 
cruelly whipped and afflicted, I was 
grieved for them; because they were 
greatly tormented, nor had they any rest 
afforded them. 

20 And I said unto the shepherd that 
was with me ; Sir, who is this cruel and 
implacable shepherd, who is moved with 
no compassion towards these sheep ? He 
answered, b This shepherd is indeed one 
of the c holy angels, but is appointed for 
the punishment of sinners. 

21 To him therefore are delivered 
those who have erred from God, and 
served the lusts and pleasures of this 
world. For this cause he punishes them 
every one according to their deserts, with 
cruel and various kind of pains. 

22 Sir, said 1, I would know, what 
kind of pains they are which every one 
undergoes ? Hearken, said he ; The sev- 

a Agrestem, Lat. b Vid. Origen. in Psalm xxxvii. 
Horn. 1. c Righteous. In Gr. Athanas. in t&v 

'Kyyfhuyv t&v Sifcaiwv lari, & c ., et sic MS. 
Lamb. 



and of their death 



III. HERMAS. 



and defection. 



eral pains and torments are those which 
men every day undergo in their present 
lives. For some sutler losses ; others 
poverty ; others divers sicknesses. Some 
are unsettled ; others suffer injuries from 
those that are unworthy; others fall under 
many other trials and inconveniences. 

23 For many with an unsettled design 
aim at many things, and it proiiteth them 
not; and they say that they have not 
success in their undertakings. 

24 d They do not call to their mind 
what they have done amiss, and they 
complain of the Lord. When therefore 
they shall have undergone all kind of 
vexation and inconvenience ; then they 
are delivered over to me for good instruc- 
tion, and are confirmed in the faith of the 
Lord, and serve the Lord all the rest of 
their days with a pure mind. 

25 And when they begin to repent of 
their sins, then they call to mind their 
works which they have done amiss, and 
give honour to God, saying, That he is a 
just Judge, and they have deservedly suf- 
fered all things according to their deeds. 

26 Then for what remains of their 
lives, they serve God with a pure mind ; 
and have success in all their undertak- 
ings, and receive from the Lord what- 
ever they desire. 

27 And then they give thanks unto 
the Lord that they were delivered unto 
me ; nor do they suffer any more cru- 
elty. 

28 IT I said unto him ; Sir, I iiitreat 
you still to' shew me now one thing. 
What, said he, dost thou e ask ? I said 
unto hirn ; are they who depart from the 
fear of God, tormented for the same 
time that they enjoyed their false delights 
and pleasures ? He answered me ; They 
are tormented for the same time. 

29 And I said unto him ; They are 
then tormente I bi little ; whereas they 
who enjoy their p. - isures so as to forget 
God, ought to endure seven times as 
much punishment. 

30 He answered me ; Thou art fool- 
ish, neither understandest thou the effi- 
cacy of this punishment. I said unto 
him ; Sir, if I understood it, I would not 
desire you tell me. 

31 Hearken, said he, and learn what 
the force of both is, both of the pleasure 
and of the punishment. An hour of 



d MS. Lamb. Succurrit iis: Creek Athanas. d 
yivwvtcvQi. e MS. Lamb. Inquiris. 



I pleasure is terminated within its own 
I space : but one hour of punishment has 

the efficacy of thirty days. f Whosoever 
I therefore enjoys his false pleasure for one 

day, and is one day tormented ; that one 

day of punishment is equivalent to a 

whole year's space. 

32 Thus look how many days any 
one pursues his pleasures, so many years 
is he punished for it. You see therefore, 
now that the time of worldly enjoyments 
is but short ; but that of pain and tor- 
ments, a great deal more. 

33 I replied ; Sir, forasmuch as I do 
not understand eat all these times of 
pleasure and pain ; I intreat you that you 
would explain yourself more clearly con- 
cerning them. He answered me, say- 
ing ; Thy foolishness still sticks unto 
thee. 

34 Shouldest thou not rather purify 
thy mind, and serve God ? Take heed, 
lest when thy time is fulfilled, thou be 
found still unwise. Hear then, as thou 
desirest, that thou mayest the more easily 
understand. 

35 He that gives himself up one day 
to his pleasures and delights, and doe's 
whatsoever his soul desires, is full of 
great folly, nor understands what he does, 
but the day following forgets what he 
did the day before. 

36 For delight and worldly pleasure 
are not kept in memory, by reason of the 
folly that is rooted in them. But when 
pain and torment befal a man a day, he 
is in effect troubled the whole year after ; 
because his punishment continues firm in 
his memory. 

37 Wherefore he remembers it with 
sorrow the whole year; and then calls 
to mind his vain pleasure and delight, 
and perceives that for the sake of that he 
was punished. 

38 Whosoever therefore have deliv- 
ered themselves over to such pleasures, 
are thus punished ; because that when 
they had life, they rendered themselves 
liable to death. 

39 I said unto him ; Sir, what plea- 
sure s are hurtful? He answered; That 
is pleasure to every man which he doth 
willingly. 

40 For the angry man, gratifying his 
passion, perceives pleasure in it ; and so 
the adulterer, and drunkard ; the slan- 

f Origen. in Num. Horn. viii. s MS. Lamb. Om- 
nino. 

157 



The repentant must 



III. HERMAS. 



bring forth fruits 



derer, and liar; the covetous man, and 
the defrauder; and whosoever commits 
anything like unto these, because he 
h i'ol]oweth his evil disposition, he re- 
ceives a satisfaction in the doing of it. 

41 All these pleasures and delights are 
hurtful to the servants of God. For 
these therefore they are tormented and 
suffer punishment. 

42 There are also pleasures that bring 
salvation unto men. For many, when 
they do what is good, find pleasure in it, 
and are attracted by the delights of it. 

43 Now this pleasure is profitable to 
the servants oi God, and brings life to 
such men : but those hurtful pleasures, 
which were before mentioned, bring tor- 
ments and punishment. 

44 And whosoever shall continue in 
them, and shall not repent of what they 
have done, shall bring death upon them- 
selves. 

SIMILITUDE VII. 

That they who repent, must bring forth fruits worthy 
of repentance. 

AFTER a few days I saw the same 
person that before talked with me, 
in the same field, in which I had seen 
those shepherds. And he said unto me ; 
What seekest thou ? 

2 Sir, said I, I came to intreat you that 
you would command the shepherd, who 
is the minister of punishment, to depart 
out of my house, because he greatly af- 
flicts me. 

3 And he answered, It is necessary 
for thee to endure inconveniences and 
vexations ; for so that good angel hath 
commanded concerning thee, because he 
would try thee. 

4 Sir, said I; What so great offence 
have I committed, that I should be deliv- 
ered to this » messenger ? Hearken, said 
he : Thou art indeed guilty of many sins, 
yet not so many that thou shouldest be 
delivered to this Messenger. 

5 But thy house hath committed many 
sins and offences, and therefore that good 
1 messenger being grieved at their doings, 
commanded that for some time thou 
shouldest suffer affliction ; that they may 
both repent of what they have done, and 
may wash themselves from all the lusts 
of this present world. 

6 When therefore they shall have re- 
pented, and be purified, then that mes- 

h Obeyeth his disease, i Angel. 

158 



senger which is appointed over thy pun- 
ishment, shall depart from thee. 

7 I said unto him ; Sir, if they have 
behaved themselves so as to anger that 
good angel, yet what have I done ? He 
answered ; They cannot otherwise be af- 
flicted, unless thou, who art the head of 
the family, suffer. 

8 For whatsoever thou shalt suffer, 
they must needs feel it : but as long as 
thou shalt stand well established, they 
cannot experience any venation. 

9 I replied ; But, Sir, behold they also 
now repent with all their hearts. I 
know, says he, that they repent with all 
their hearts ; but dost thou therefore think 
their offences, who repent, are immedi- 
ately blotted out ? 

10 No, they are not presently; but he 
that repents must afflict his soul, and 
shew himself humble in all his affairs, 
and undergo many and divers vexations. 

11 And when he shall have suffered 
all things that were appointed for him ; 
then perhaps he that made him, and 
formed all things besides, will be moved 
with compassion towards him, and afford 
him some remedy ; and especially if he 
shall perceive his heart, who repents, to 
be pure from every evil work. 

12 But at present it is expedient for 
thee, and for thy house, to be grieved ; 
and it is needful that thou shouldest en- 
dure much vexation, as the angel of the 
Lord who committed thee unto me, has 
commanded. 

1 3 Rather give thanks unto the Lord, 
that knowing what was to come, he 
thought thee worthy to whom he should 
foretel that trouble was coming upon 
thee, who art able to bear it. 

14 1 said unto him ; Sir, be but thou 
also with me, and I shall easily undergo 
any trouble. I will, said he, be with 
thee ; and I wf 1 entreat the messenger 
who is set over thy punishment, that he 
would moderate his afflictions towards 
thee. 

1 5 And moreover thou shalt suffer ad- 
versity but for a little time ; and then 
thou shalt again be restored to thy former 
state ; only continue on in the humility 
of thy mind. 

1 6 Obey the Lord with a pure heart ; 
thou, and thy house, and thy children; 
and walk in the commands which I have 
delivered unto thee ; and then thy re- 
pentance may be firm and pure. 

17 And if thou shalt keep these things 



Of the elect 

with thy house, thy inconveniencies 
shall depart from thee. 

1 8 And all vexation shall in like man- 
ner depart from all those, whosoever 
shall walk according to these commands. 

SIMILITUDE VIII. 

That there are many kinds of elect and of repenting 
sinners : and how all of them shall receive a re- 
ward proportionable to the measure of their re- 
pentance and good works. 

AGAIN he shewed me a willow 
which covered the fields and the 
mountains, under whose shadow came 
all such as were called by the name of 
the Lord. 

2 And by that willow stood an angel 
of the Lord very excellent and lofty j 
and did cut down boughs from that wil- 
low with a great hook ; and reached out 
to the people that were under the sha- 
dow of that willow little rods, as it were 
about a foot long. 

3 And when all of them had taken 
them, he laid aside his hook, and the 
tree continued entire, as I had before seen 
it. At which I wondered, and mused 
within myself. 

4 Then that shepherd said unto me ; 
Forbear to wonder that that tree contin- 
ues whole, notwithstanding so many 
boughs have been cut off from it : but 
stay a little, for now it shall be shewn 
thee, what that angel means, who gave 
those rods to the people. 

5 So he again demanded the rods of 
them ; and in the same order that every 
one had received them, was he called to 
him, and restored his rod ; which when 
he had received, he examined them. 

6 From some he received them dry 
and rotten, and as it were touched with 
the moth; those he commanded to be 
separated from the rest, and placed by 
themselves. Others gave in their rods 
dry indeed, but not touched with the 
moth ; these also he ordered to be set by 
themselves. 

7 Others gave in their rods half dry ; 
these also were set apart. Others gave 
in their rods, half dry and cleft ; these 
too were set by themselves. Others 
brought in their rods, half dry and half 
green, and these were in like manner 
placed by themselves. 

8 Others delivered up their rods two 
parts green, and the third dry ; and they 
too were set apart. Others brought 



III. HERMAS. and the repentant. 

their rods two parts dry, and the thiid 
green ; and were also placed by them- 
selves. 

9 Others delivered up their rods less 
dry, (for there was but a very little, to 
wit, their tops dry) but they had clefts, 
and these were set in like manner by 
themselves. In the rods of others there 
was but a little green, and the resi dry ; 
and these were set aside by themselves 

10 Others came, and brought theii 
rods green as they had received them, 
and the greatest part of the people 
brought their rods thus ; and the mes- 
senger greatly rejoiced at these, and they 
also were put apart by themselves. 

1 1 Others brought their rods not only 
green, but full of branches; and these 
were set aside, being also received by 
the angel with great joy. Others brought 
their rods green with branches, and those 
also some fruit upon them. 

12 They who had such rods were 
very cheerful; and the angel himself 
took great joy at them; nor was the 
shepherd that stood with me, less pleased 
with them. 

1 3 IT Then the angel of the Lord com- 
manded crowns to be brought : and the 
crowns were brought made of palms ; 
and the angel crowned those men in 
whose rods he found the young branches 
with fruit ; and commanded them to go 
into the tower. 

14 He also sent those into the tower, 
in whose rods he found branches with- 
out fruit, giving a seal unto them. Fqr 
they had the same garment, that is, one 
white as snow 7 ; with which he bade 
them go into the tower. And so he did 
to those who returned their rods green as 
they received them ; giving them a white 
garment, and to send them away to go 
into the tower. 

15 Having done this, he said to the 
shepherd that was with me, I go my 
way ; but do thou send these within the 
walls, every one into the place in which 
he has deserved to dwell ; examining 
first their rods, but examine them dili- 
gently that no one deceive thee. But 
and if any one shall escape thee, I will 
try them upon the altar. Having said 
this to the shepherd, he departed. 

16 After he was gone, the shepherd 
said unto me ; Let us take the rods from 
them all, and plant them ; if perchance 
they may grow green again. I said 

159 



Of the elect 



III. HERMAS. 



and the repentant, 



unto him ; Sir, how can those dry rods 
ever grow green again ? 

17 He answered me; That tree is a 
willow, and always loves to live. If 
therefore these rods shall be planted, and 
receive a little moisture, many of them 
will recover themselves. 

18 Wherefore I will try and pour 
water upon them, and if any of them can 
live, I will rejoice with him : but if not 
at least by this means 1 shall be found 
not to have neglected my part. 

19 Then he commanded me to call 
them ; and they all came unto him, ev- 
ery one in the rank in which he stood, 
and gave him their rods ; which having 
received he planted every one of them in 
their several orders. 

20 And after he had planted them all, 
he poured much water upon them, inso- 
much that they were covered with wa- 
ter, and did not appear above it. Then 
when he had watered them he said unto 
me ; Let us depart, and after a little time 
we will return and visit them. 

21 For he who created this tree would 
have all those live that received rods 
from it. And I hope, now that these 
rods are thus watered, many of them, 
receiving in the moisture, will recover. 

22 If I said unto him, Sir, tell me what 
this tree denotes ? For I am greatly k as- 
tonished, that after so many branches 
have been cut off, it seems still to be 
whole; nor does there any thing the 
less of it appear to remain, which great- 
ly amazes me. 

23 He answered, Hearken. This great 
tree which covers the plains and the 
mountains, and all the earth, is the law 
of God, published throughout the whole 
world. 

24 Now l this law is the Son of God, 
who is preached to all the ends of the 
earth. The people that stand under its 
shadow, are those which have heard his 
preaching and believed. 

25 The great and venerable angel 
which you saw, was Michael, who has 
the power over this people, and governs 
them. For he has planted the law in the 
hearts of those who have believed : and 
therefore he visits them to whom he has 
given the law, to see if they have kept it. 

26 And he examines every one's rod ; 
and of those, many that are weakened : 

* Moved. 1 MS. Lamb. Haec antem lex Filius 
Dei est, preedicatus, &c. Satisfied. 

160 



for those rods are the law of the Lord. 
Then he discerns those who have not 
kept the law, knowing the place of ev- 
ery one of them. 

27 I said unto him, Sir, why did he 
send away some to the tower, and left 
others here to you ? He replied, those 
who have transgressed the law, which 
they received from him, are left in my 
power, that they may repent of their sins: 
but they who fulfilled the law and kept 
it, are under his power. 

28 But who then, said I are those, 
who went into the tower crowned ? He 
replied, all such as having striven with 
the devil, have overcome him, are crown- 
ed : and they are those who have suffer- 
ed hard things, that they might keep the 
law. 

29 But they who gave up their rods 
green, and with young branches, but 
without fruit, have indeed endured 
trouble for the same law, but have not 
suffered death ; neither have they denied 
their holy law. 

30 They who delivered up their rods 
green as they received them, are those 
who were modest and just, and have liv- 
ed with a very pure mind, and kept the 
commandments of God. 

31 The rest thou shalt know, when I 
shall have considered those rods which 
I have planted and watered. 

32 If After a few days we returned, 
and in the same place stood that glorious 
angel, and I stood by him. Then he 
said unto me ; Gird thyself with a ™ tow- 
el and serve me. 

33 And I girded myself with a clean 
towel, which was made of coarse cloth. 
And when he saw me girded, and ready 
to minister unto him, he said, Call those 
men whose rods have been planted, ev- 
ery one in his order as they gave them. 

34 And he brought me into the field, 
and I called them all, and they all stood 
ready in their several ranks. Then he 
said unto them ; let every one pluck up 
his rod, and bring it unto me. And first 
they delivered tneirs, whose rods had 
been dry and rotten. 

35 And those whose rods still contin- 
ued so, he commanded to stand apart. 
Then they came whose rods had been 
dry but not rotten. Some of these de- 
livered in their rods green ; others dry 



mSabano. Vid. Edit. Oxoo. p. 129. not. d. 



and of 



III. HERMAS. 



their rewards* 



and rotten, as if they had been touched 
by the moth. 

36 Those who gave them up green, 
he commanded to stand apart : but those 
whose rods were dry and rotten, he caus- 
ed to stand with the first sort. Then 
came they whose rods had been half 
dry, and cleft : many of these gave up 
their rods green, and uncleft. 

37 Others delivered them up green with 
branches, and fruit upon the branches, 
like unto theirs who went crowned into 
the tower. Others delivered them up 
dry, but not rotten : and some gave them 
as they were before, half dry, and 
cleft. 

38 Every one of these he ordered to 
stand apart ; some by themselves, oth- 
ers in their respective ranks. 

39 Then came they whose rods had 
been green, but cleft. These delivered 
their rods altogether green, and stood in 
their own order. And the shepherd re- 
joiced at these, because thev were all 
changed and free from their clefts. 

40 Then they gave in their rods, who 
had them half green and dry. Of these 
some were found wholly green, others 
half dry; others green, with young 
shoots, And all these were sent away, 
every one to his proper rank. 

41 Then they gave up their rods, who 
had them before two parts green, and 
the third dry. Many of these gave 
in their rods green ; many half dry ; the 
rest dry but not rotten. So these were 
sent away, each to his proper place. 

42 Then came they who had before 
their rods two parts dry and the third 
green ; many of these delivered up their 
rods half dry, others dry and rotten ; oth- 
ers half dry and cleft ; but few green. 
And all these were set every one in his 
own rank. 

43 Then they reached in their rods, 
n in which there was before but a little 
green, and the rest dry. Their rods were 
for the most part found green, having 
little boughs with fruit upon them ; and 
the rest altogether green. 

44 And the shepherd upon sight of 
these rejoiced exceedingly, because he 
had found them thus : and they also 
went to their proper orders. 

45 IT Now after he had examined all 
their rods, he said unto me, I told thee 
that this tree loved life : thou seest how 

» MS. Lamb. Minimum habuerunt viride. 



many have repented, and attained unto 
salvation. Sir, said I, I see it. 

46 That thou mightest know, saith he, 
that the goodness and mercy of the Lord 
is great, and to be had in honour; who 
gave his spirit to them that were found 
worthy of repentance. 

47 I answered, Sir, why then did not 
all of them repent ? He replied, those 
whose mind the Lord foresaw would be 
pure, and that they would serve him 
with all their hearts, to them he gave re- 
pentance. 

48 But for those whose deceit and 
wickedness he beheld, and perceived 
that they would not truly return unto 
him ; to them he denied any return unto 
repentance, lest they should again blas- 
pheme his law with wicked words. 

49 I said unto him ; Now, Sir, make 
known unto me what is the place of ev- 
ery one of those, who have given up 
their rods, and what their ° portion ; 
that when they who have not kept their 
seal entire, but have wasted the seal 
which they received, shall hear and be- 
lieve these things, they may acknowl- 
edge their evil deeds and repent ; 

50 And receiving again their seal from 
you, may give glory to God, that he was 
moved with compassion towards them, 
and sent you to renew their spirits. 

51 Hearken, said he : they whose rods 
have been found dry and rotten, and as it 
were touched with the moth ; are the de- 
serters and the betrayers of the church ; 

52 Who with the rest of their crimes 
have also blasphemed the Lord, and de- 
nied his name which had been called up- 
on them. Therefore all these are dead 
unto God ; and thou seest that none of 
them have repented, although they have 
heard my commands which thou hast de- 
livered unto them. From these men 
therefore life is far distant. 

53 They also who have delivered up 
their rods dry, but not rotten, have not 
been far from them. For they have been 
counterfeits, and brought in evil doc- 
trines ; and have perverted the servants 
of God; but especially those who had 
sinned ; but not suffering them to return 
unto repentance, but keeping them back 
by their false doctrines. 

54 These therefore have hope ; and 
thou seest that many of them nave re- 
pented since the time that thou hast laid 



o Seat. 



161 



Of the elect 



111. HERMAS. 



and the repentant. 



my commands before them ; and many 
more will yet repent. But they that shall 
not repent shall lose both repentance and 
life. 

55 But they that have repented, their 
place is begun to be within the first 
walls, and some of them are even gone 
into the tower. Thou seest therefore, 
said he, that in the repentance of sinners 
there is life ; but that for those who re- 
pent not, death is prepared. 

56 IT Hear now concerning those who 
gave in their rods half dry, and full of 
clefts. They whose rods were only half 
dry are the doubtful ; for they are nei- 
ther living nor dead, 

57 But they who delivered in their 
rods not only half dry, but also full of 
clefts, are both doubtful and evil speak- 
ers; who detract from those that are ab- 
sent, and have never peace among them- 
selves, and that envy one another. 

58 Howbeit to these also repentance 
is offered ; for thou seest that some of 
these have repented. 

59 Now all those of this kind who 
have quickly repented, shall have a place 
in the tower ; but they who have been 
more slow in their repentance, shall 
dwell within the walls: but they that 
shall not repent, but shall continue on 
in their wicked doings, shall die the 
death. 

60 As for those who had their rods 
green, but yet cleft ; they are such as 
were always faithful and good, but they 
had some envy and strife among them- 
selves concerning dignity and pre-emi- 
nence. 

61 Now all such are vain and without 
understanding, as contend with one an- 
other about these things. 

62 Nevertheless, seeing they are oth- 
erwise good, if when they shall hear 
these commands they shall amend them- 
selves, and shall at my persuasion sud- 
denly repent; they shall at last dwell in 
the tower, as they who have truly and 
worthily repented. 

63 But if any one shall again return 
to his dissension, he shall be shut out 
from the tower, and shall lose his life. 
For the life of those who keep the com- 
mandments of the Lord, consists in do- 
ing what they are commanded ; not in 
principality, or in any other dignity. 

64 For by forbearance and humility 
of mind, men shall attain unto life ; but 
by seditions, and contempt of the law, 

162 



they shall purchase death unto them- 
selves. 

65 IT They who in their rods had 
half dry and half green, are those who 
are engaged in many affairs of the world, 
and are not joined to the saints. For 
which cause half of them liveth, and 
half is dead. 

66 Wherefore many of these since the 
time that they have heard my commands, 
have repented and begun to dwell in the 
tower. But some of them have wholly 
fallen away ; to these there is no more 
place for repentance. 

67 For by reason of their present in- 
terests, they have blasphemed and denied 
God : and for this wickedness they have 
lost life. And of these many are still 
in doubt ; these may yet return ; and if 
they shall quickly repent, they shall 
have a place in the tower ; but if they 
shall be more slow they shall dwell 
within the walls ; but if they shall not 
repent they shall die. 

68 As for those who had two parts of 
their rods green, and the third dry ; they 
have p by manifold ways denied the Lord. 
Of these many have repented, and found 
a place in the tower ; and many have al- 
together departed from God. These have 
utterly lost life. 

69 And some being in a doubtful 
state, have raised up dissensions : these 
may yet return, if they shall suddenly re- 
pent, and not continue in their lusts ; but 
if they shall continue in their evil doing 
they shall die. 

70 U They who gave in their rods two 
parts dry, and the other green ; are those 
who have indeed been faithful, but with- 
al rich and full of good things ; and 
thereupon have desired to be famous 
among the heathen which are without, 
and have thereby fallen into great pride, 
and begun to aim at high matters, and to 
forsake the truth : 

71 Nor were they joined to the saints, 
but lived with the heathen ; and this life 
seemed the more pleasant to them. How- 
beit they have not departed from God, 
but continued in the faith ; only they 
have not wrought the works of faith. 

72 Many therefore of these have re- 
pented ; and begun to dwell in the tow- 
er. Yet others still living among the 
heathen people, and being lifted up with 
their vanities have utterly fallen away 

p Lamb. MS. Quamplurirais generibus inficiati. 



Of the mysteries 



III. HERMAS. 



of tlie church. 



from God, and followed the works and 
wickedness of the heathen. These kind 
of men therefore are reckoned among 
strangers to the Gospel. 

73 Others of these began to be doubt- 
ful in their minds,; despairing by reason 
of their wicked doings ever to attain un- 
to salvation. Others being thus made 
doubtful, did moreover stir up dissen- 
sions. 

74 To these therefore, and to those 
who by reason of their doings are be- 
come doubtful, there is still hopes of re- 
turn ; but they must repent quickly, that 
their place may be in the tower. But 
they that repent not but continue still 
in their pleasures, are nigh unto death. 

75 IT As for those who gave in their 
rods green, excepting their tops which 
only were dry, and had clefts; these 
were always good and faithful, and ^ up- 
right before God : nevertheless they sin- 
ned a little, by reason of their empty 
pleasures and tiirling thoughts which 
they had within themselves. 

76 Wherefore many of them, when 
they heard my words, repented forth- 
with ; and began to dwell in the tower. 
Nevertheless some grew doubtful, and 
others to their doubtful minds added dis- 
sensions. To these therefore there is still 
hope of return, because they were always 
good ; but they shall hardly be moved. 

77 As for those, lastly, who gave in 
their rods dry, theii tops only excepted, 
which alone were green , they are such 
as have believed indeed in God, but have 
lived in wickedness ; yet without de- 
parting from God . having always wil- 
lingly borne the name of the Lord ; and 
readily received into their houses the ser- 
vants of God. 

78 Wherefore hearing these things 
they returned, and without delay repent- 
ed, and lived in all righteousness. And 
some of them suffered death ; others 
readily underwent many trials, being 
mindful of their evil doings. 

79 IT And when he had ended his ex- 
plications of all the rods, he said unto 
me, Go, and say unto all men that they 
repent, and they shall live unto God : 
because the Lord being moved with great 
clemency hath sent me to preach repent- 
ance unto all. 

80 Even unto those who by reason of 
their evil doings, deserve not to attain 

q Probi. 



unto salvation. But the Lord will be 
patient, and keep the invitation that was 
made by his Son. 

81 I said unto him, Sir, I hope that 
all when they shall hear these things 
will repent. For I trust that every one 
acknowledging his crimes, and taking up 
the fear of the Lord, will return unto re- 
pentance. 

82 He said unto me Whosoever shall 
repent with all their hearts, and cleanse 
themselves from all the evils that I have 
before mentioned, and not add anything 
more to their sins, shall receive from the 
Lord the cure of their former iniquities, 
if they shall not make any doubt of these 
commands, and shall live unto God. 

83 But they that shall continue to add 
to their transgressions, and shall still 
converse with the lusts of this present 
world, shall condemn themselves unto 
death. But do thou walk in these com- 
mands, and thou shalt live unto God : 
and whosoever shall walk in these, and 
exercise them rightly, shall live unto God. 

84 And having shewed me all these 
things, he said ; I will shew thee the rest 
in a few days. 

SIMILITUDE IX. 

The greatest mysteries of the militant and triumph- 
ant church which is to be built. 

FTER I had written the Commands 
and Similitudes of the Shepherd, the 
the Angel of Repentance ; he came unto 
me, and said to me, I will shew the all 
those things which the r Spirit spake 
with thee under the figure of the church. 
For that Spirit is the Son of God. 

2 And because thou wert weak in 
body, it was not declared unto thee by 
the angel, until thou wert strengthened 
by the Spirit, and increased in force, that 
thou mightest also see the angel. 

3 For then indeed the building of the 
tower was very well and gloriously 
shewn unto thee by the church ; never- 
theless thou sawest all things shewn un- 
to thee as it were by a virgin. 

4 But now thou art enlightened by 
the angel, but yet by the same Spirit. 
But thou must consider all things dili- 
gently ; for therefore am I sent into thine 
house by that venerable B messenger, that 
when thou shalt have ssen all things 
powerfully, thou mayest not be afraid as 
before. 



r See above, Book I. 



s Angel, 

163 



Of the mysteries 



III. HERMAS. 



of the church 



5 And he led me to the * height of a 
mountain of Arcadia, and we sat upon 
its top. And he shewed me a great 
plain, and about it twelve mountains in 
different figures. 

6 The first was black as soot. The 
second was smooth, without herbs. The 
third was full of thorns and thistles. 
The fourth had herbs half dried; of 
which the upper part was green, but that 
next the root was dry ; and some of the 
herbs when the sun grew hot, were dry. 

7 The fifth mountain was very rug- 
ged: but yet had green herbs. The 
sixth mountain was full of clefts, some 
lesser and some greater; and in those 
clefts grew grass, not flourishing, but 
which seemed to be withering. 

8 The seventh mountain had a de- 
lightful pasture, and was wholly fruit- 
ful ; and all kinds of cattle, and of the 
birds of heaven, fed upon it ; and the 
more they fed upon it, the more and bet- 
ter did the grass grow. 

9 The eighth mountain was full of 
fountains, and from those fountains were 
watered all kinds of the creatures of 
God. The ninth mountain had no water 
at all, but was wholly destitute of it; 
and nourished deadly serpents and de- 
structive to men. 

10 The tenth mountain was full of 
tall trees, and altogether shady ; and un- 
der the shade of them lay cattle resting 
and chewing the cud. 

1 1 The eleventh mountain was full of 
the thickest trees ; and those trees seem- 
ed to be loaded with several sorts of 
fruits ; that whosoever saw them could 
not choose but desire to eat of their fruit. 

12 The twelfth mountain was alto- 
gether white, and of a most pleasant as- 
pect, and itself gave a most excellent 
beauty to itself. 

13 IT In the middle of the "plain he 
showed me a huge white rock which 
rose out of the plain, and the rock was 
higher than those mountains, and was 
square ; so that it seemed capable of 
supporting the whole world. 

14 It looked to be old, yet had in it a 
new gate, which seemed to have been 
newly hewn out in it. Now that gate 
was bright beyond the sun itself ; inso- 
much, that I greatly admired at its light. 

15 About that gate stood twelve vir- 
gins ; of which four that stood at the 



corners of the gate, seemed to me to be 
the chiefest, although the rest also were 
of worth : and they stood in the four 
parts of the gate. 

16 It added also to the grace of those 
virgins, that they stood in pairs, clothed 
with linen garments, and decently gird- 
ed, their right arms being at liberty, as 
if they were about to lift up some v bur- 
den: for so they were adorned, and 
were exceeding cheerful and ready. 

17 When I saw this, I wondered with 
myself to see such great and noble 
things, And again I admired upon the 
account of those virgins, that they were 
so handsome and delicate ; and stood 
with such firmness and constancy, as if 
they would carry the whole heaven. 

18 And as I was thinking thus with- 
in myself, the shepherd said unto me, 
what think est thou within thyself, and 
art disquieted, and fillest thyself with 
care ? 

19 Do not seem to consider, as if thou 
wert wise, what thou dost not under- 
stand, but pray unto the Lord, that thou 
mayest have ability to understand it: 
what is to come thou canst not under- 
stand, but thou seest that which is be- 
fore thee. 

20 Be not therefore disquieted at 
those things which thou canst not see ; 
but get the understanding of those 
which thou seest. 

21 Forbear to be curious, and 1 will 
shew thee all things that I ought to de- 
clare unto thee : but first consider what 
yet remains. 

22 IT And when he had said this unto 
me 1 looked up, and behold I saw six 
tall and venerable men coming ; their 
countenances were all alike ; and they 
called a certain multitude of men ; and 
they who came at their call were also 
tall and stout. 

23 And those six commanded them 
to build a certain towej: over that gate, 
and immediately there began to be a great 
noise of those men running here and 
there about the gate, who were coming 
together to build the tower. 

24 But those virgins which stood 
about the gate perceived that the build- 
ing of the tower was to be hastened by 
them. And they stretched out their 
hands, as if they were to receive some- 
what from them to do. 



t Ascent, u Origen, Horn, iii, in Ezech. 

164 



v F&scem aliquera. 



militant and 



III. HERMAS. 



triumphant 



25 Then those six men commanded, 
that they should lift up stones out of a 
certain deep place, and prepare them for 
the building of the tower. And there 
-were lifted up ten white stones, square, 
and w not cut round. 

26 Then those six men called the 
virgins to them, and commanded them to 
carry all the stones that were to be put 
into the building ; and having carried 
them through the gate, to deliver them 
to those that were about to build that 
tower. 

27 Immediately the virgins began all 
of them together to lift up those stones 
that were before taken out of the deep. 

28 1T And they also who stood about 
the gate did carry stones in such a man- 
ner, that those stones which seemed to 
be the strongest were laid at the corners, 
the rest were put into the sides ; 

29 And thus they carried all the 
stones, and bringing them through the 
gate, delivered them to the builders, as 
they had been commanded : who receiv- 
ing them at their hands, built with them. 

30 But this building was made upon 
that great rock, and over the gate ; and 
by these the whole tower was supported. 
But the building of the ten stones filled 
the whole gate, which began to be made 
for the foundation of that tower. 

31 After those ten stones did five and 
twenty others x rise up out of the deep ; 
and these were placed in the building of 
the same tower ; being lifted up by 
those virgins, as the others had been 
before. 

32 After these did five and thirty 
others x rise up ; also in like manner lif- 
ted into the same work. Then forty 
other stones were brought up, and all 
these were added unto the building of 
that tower. 

33 So there began to be four ranks in 
the foundation of that tower ; and the 
stones ceased to x rise out of the deep ; 
and they also which built rested a little. 

34 Again those six men commanded 
the multitude, that they should bring 
stones out of those twelve mountains to 
the building of the same tower. 

35 So they cut out of all the moun- 
tains stones of divers colours, and 
brought them, and gave them to the vir- 
gins ; which when they had received 



w So Coteleriu* in loc- * MS. Lamb. Ascende- 
runt. 



they carried them, and delivered them 
into the building of the tower. 

36 In which when they were built 
they became white, and different from 
what they were before ; for they were 
all alike, and did change their former 
colours. And some were reached up by 
the men themselves, which when they 
came into the buliding, continued such 
as they were put in. 

37 These neither became white, nor 
different from what they were before ; 
because they were net carried by the 
virgins through the gate. Wherefore 
these stones were disagreeable in the 
building ; which when those six men 
perceived, they commanded them to be 
removed, and put again in the place from 
which they were brought. 

38 And they said to those who 
brought those stones, Do not ye reach 
up to us any stones for this building, 
but lay them down by the tower, that 
these virgins may carry them and reach 
them to us. 

39 For unless they shall be carried by 
these virgins through this gate, they can- 
not change their colours : therefore do 
not labour in vain. 

40 If So the building that day was 
done, howbeit the tower was not finish- 
ed ; for it was afterwards to be built, 
therefore now also there was some delay 
made of it. 

41 And these six men commanded 
those that built to depart, and as it were 
to rest for some time ; but they ordered 
those virgins that they should not depart 
from the tower ; now they seemed to me 
to be left for the guarding of it. 

42 When all were departed, I said 
unto that shepherd, Sir, why is not the 
building of the tower finished ? Because 
it cannot, said he, be finished until its 
Lord comes and approves of the build- 
ing ; that if he shall find any stones in it 
that are not good they may be changed ; 
for this tower is built according to his 
will. 

43 Sir, said I, I would know, what 
the building of this tower signifies ; as 
also I would be informed concerning this 
rock, and this gate, 

44 And concerning the mountains, 
and the virgins, and the stones that did 
rise out of the deep, and were not cut, 
but put into the building just as they 
came forth; and why the ten stones 

165 



Of the mysteries 



III. HERMAS. 



of the church 



were first laid in the foundation ; then 
the twenty-five ; then thirty-five ; then 
forty ? 

45 Also concerning those stones that 
were put into the building, and again 
taken out, and carried back into their 
place ! Fulfil, I pray, the desire of my 
soul as to all these things, and manifest 
all unto me. 

46 And he said unto me, If thou shalt 
not be dull, thou shalt know all, and 
shalt see all the other things that are 
about to happen in this tower; and shalt 
understand diligently all these simili- 
tudes. 

47 And after a few days we came 
into the same place where we had sat 
before ; and he said unto me, Let us go 
unto the tower ; for the Lord of it will 
come and examine it. 

48 So we came thither, and found 
none but those virgins there. And he 
asked them, whether the Lord of that 
tower was come thither ? And they re- 
plied that he would be there presently, 
to examine the building. 

49 U After a very little while 1 saw a 
great multitude of men coming, and in 
the middle of them a man so tall, that 
he surpassed the tower in y height. 

50 About him were those six, who 
before commanded in the building, and 
all the rest of those who had built that 
tower, and many others of great dignity : 
and the virgins that kept the tower ran 
to meet him, and kissed him, and began 
to walk near unto him. 

51 But he examined the building with 
so much care that he handled every 
stone ; and struck every one with a rod 
which he held in his hand : 

52 Of which some being so struck 
turned black as soot ; others were rough ; 
some looked as if they had cracks in 
them ; others seemed maimed ; some nei- 
ther black nor white ; some looked sharp, 
and agreed not with the other stones, 
and others were full of spots. 

53 These were the several kinds of 
those stones which were not found pro- 
per in the building : all which the Lord 
commanded to be taken out of the tower, 
and laid near it, and other stones to be 
brought, and put in their places. 

54 And they that built, asked him 
from which of the mountains he would 
have stones brought to put in the place 



166 



y Greatness. 



of those that were laid aside. But he 
forbade them to bring any from the moun- 
tains, and commanded that they should 
take them out of a certain field that was 
near. 

55 So they digged in that field and 
found many bright square stone* , and 
some also that were round. Howbeit, 
all that were found in that field were 
taken away, and carried through the gate 
by those virgins : and those of them that 
were square were fitted and put into the 
places of those that were- pulled out. 

56 But the round ones were not put 
into the building, because they were hard, 
and it would have required too much 
time to cut them ; but they were placed 
about the tower, as if they should here- 
after be cut square, and put into the 
building ; for they were very white. 

57 1F When he who was chief in dig- 
nity and the lord of the whole tower, saw 
this, he called to him the shepherd that 
was with me, and gave him the stones 
that were rejected and laid about the tow- 
er, and said unto him; cleanse these 
stones with all care, and fit them into the 
building of the tower, that they may agree 
with the rest; bnt those that will not 
suit with the rest, cast away afar off from 
the tower. 

58 When he had thus commanded 
him, he departed, with all those that 
came with him to the tower : but those 
virgins still stood about the tower to 
keep it. 

59 And I said unto that shepherd, 
How can these stones, seeing they have 
been rejected return into the building of 
this tower? He replied, I will cut off 
the greatest part from these stones, and 
will add them to the building, and they 
will agree with the rest. 

60 And I said, Sir, how will they be 
able to fill the same place, when they 
shall be so much cut away? He an- 
swered, They that shall be found too lit- 
tle shall be put into the middle of the 
building, and the greater shall be placed 
without, and keep them in. 

61 When he had said thus unto me, 
he added, Let us go, and after three days 
we will return, and I will put these 
stones, being cleansed, into the tower. 

62 For all these that are about the 
tower, must be cleansed, lest the master 
of the house chance to come upon the 
sudden, and find those which are about 



* 



militant and 



ill. HERMAS. 



triumphant. 



the tower unclean ; ■ and be so exasper- 
ated that these stones should never be 
put into the building of this tower, and I 
shall be looked upon to have been a un- 
mindful of my master's commands. 

63 When therefore we came after 
three days to the tower, he said unto me, 
Let us examine all those stones, and let 
us see which of them may go into the 
building. I answered, Sir, let us see. 

64 H And first of all we begun to con- 
sider those which had been black ; for 
they were found just such as they were 
when they were pulled out of the tower: 
wherefore he commanded them to be re- 
moved from the tower, and put by them- 
selves. 

65 Then he examined those which 
had been rough, and commanded many 
of those to be cut round, and to be fitted 
by the virgins into the building of the 
tower : so they took them, and fitted 
them into the middle of the building ; and 
he commanded the rest to be laid by with 
the black ones, for they also were become 
black. 

66 Next he considered those which 
were full of cracks, and many of those 
also he ordered to be pared away, and so 
to be added to the rest of the building, by 
the same virgins. 

67 These were placed without, be- 
cause they were found entire ; but the 
residue through the multitude of their 
cracks could not be reformed, and there- 
fore were cast away from the building of 
the tower. 

68 Then he considered those that had 
been maimed ; many of these had cracks 
and were become black ; others had 
large clefts : these he commanded to be 
placed with those that were rejected. 

59 But the rest being cleansed and re- 
formed, he commanded to be put into the 
building. These therefore, those virgins 
took up, and fitted into the middle of the 
building, because they were but weak. 

70 After these he examined those 
which were found half white and half 
black ; and many of those were now 
black : these also he ordered to be laid 
among those that were cast away. 

71 The rest were found altogether 
white ; those were taken up by the vir- 
gins, and fitted into the same tower ; b and 



z MS. Lamb. Ita Exasperetur, ut hi lapides. 
a MS. Lamb. Negligens patris-familias. bVid.MS. 
Lamb, Edit. Oxon. p. 157 



these were put in the outside, because 
they were found entire; that so they 
might keep in those that were placed in 
the middle, for nothing was cut off from 
them. 

72 Next he looked upon those c which 
had been hard and sharp; but few of 
these were made use of, because they 
could not be cut, for they were found 
very hard : but they rest were formed, 
and fitted by the virgins into the middle 
of the building, because they were more 
weak. 

73 Then he considered those which 
had spots ; of these a few were found 
black, and these were carried to their fel- 
lows. These rest where white and en- 
tire ; and they were fitted by the virgins 
into the building, and placed in the out- 
side, by reason of their strength. 

74 IT After this he came to consider 
those stones which were white and 
round ; and he said unto me, What shall 
we do with these stones ? I answered, 
Sir, I cannot tell. 

75 He replied, Canst thou think of no- 
thing then for these ? I answered, Sjr, I 
understand not this art ; neither am I a 
stone-cutter, nor can I tell any thing. 

76 And he said, Seest thou not that 
they are very round? Now to make 
them square, 1 must cut off a great deal 
from them ; howbeit, it is necessary that 
some of these should go into the building 
of the tower. 

77 I answered ; If it be necessary, why 
do you perplex yourself, and not rather 
choose, if you have any choice among 
them, and fit them into the building ? 

78 Upon this he choose out the larg- 
est and brightest, and squared them ; 
which, when he had done, the virgins 
took them up, and placed them in the 
outside of the building. 

79 And the rest that remained, -were 
carried back into the same field from 
which 1hey were taken : howbeit, they 
were not cast away ; because, said he, 
there is yet a little wanting to this tower, 
which is to be built ; and perhaps the 
Lord will have these stones fitted into 
this building, because they are exceeding 
white. 

80 Then were there called twelve very 
stately woman, clothed with a black gar- 
ment, girded, and their shoulders free, 



c>IS. Lamb. Fuerant. 



167 



Of the mysteries 



III. HERMAS. 



of the church 



and their hair loose. These seemed to 
be country-women. 

81 And the shepherd commanded them 
to take up those stones which were cast 
out of the building, and carry them back 
to the mountains out of which they were 
taken; 

82 And they took them all up joyfully, 
and carried them back to their places 
from whence they had been taken. 

83 When not one stone remained about 
the tower, he said unto me, Let us go 
about this tower, and see whether any 
thing be wanting to it. 

84 We began therefore to go round 
about it ; and when he saw that it was 
handsomely built, he began to be very' 
glad : for it was so beautifully framed, 
that any one that had seen it must have 
been in love with the building : 

85 For it seemed to be all but one 
stone, nor did a joint any where appear ; 
but it looked as if it had all been cut out 
of one rock. 

86 IT And when I diligently consider- 
ed what a tower it was, I was extreme- 
ly pleased : and he said unto me, Bring 
hither some lime and little shells, that I 
may fill up the d spaces of those stones 
that were taken out of the building, and 
put in again ; for all things about the 
tower must be made even. 

87 And T did as he commanded me, 
and brought them unto him : and he said 
unto me, Be ready to help me, and this 
work will quickly be finished. 

88 He therefore filled up the spaces of 
those stones, and commanded the place 
about the tower to be cleansed. 

89 Then those virgins took besoms, 
and cleansed all the place around, and 
took away all the rubbish, and threw on 
water, which being done the place became 
delightful, and the tower beauteous. 

90 Then he said unto me, All is now 
clean: if the Lord should come to finish 
the tower, he will find nothing whereby 
to complain of us. 

91 When he had said this he would 
have departed. But I laid hold on his 
bag, and began to entreat him for the 
Lord's sake, that he would explain to me 
all things that he had shewn me. 

92 He said unto me, I have at present 
a little business: but I will suddenly ex- 
plain all things unto thee. Tarry here 
for me till I come. 



168 



d Formas, Lat, 



93 I said unto him, Sir, what shall I 
do here alone ? He answered, Thou art 
not alone, seeing all those virgins are 
with thee. 

94 I said, Sir, deliver me then unto 
them. Then he called them, and said 
unto them, I commend this man unto you 
till I shall come. 

95 So 1 remained with those virgins : 
now they were cheerful and courteous 
unto me ; especially the four, which 
seemed to be the chiefest among them. 

96 IT Then those virgins said unto me, 
that shepherd will not return hither to- 
day. I said unto thern, What then shall 
I do? They answered, Tarry for him 
till the evening, if perhaps he may come 
and speak with thee ; but if not, yet thou 
shalt continue with us till he does come. 

97 1 said unto them, I will tarry for 
him till evening ; but if he comes not by 
that time, I will go home, and return 
hither again the next morning. 

98 They answered me, Thou art de- 
livered unto us, thou mayest not depart 
from us. I said, Where shall I tarry ? 

99 They replied, Thou shalt sleep with 
us as a brother, not as a husband : for 
thou art our brother, and we are ready 
from henceforth to dwell with thee ; for 
thou art very dear to us. 

100 Howbeit I was ashamed to con- 
tinue with them. But she that seemed 
to be the chiefest among them, embraced 
me, and began to kiss me. And the rest 
when they saw that I was kissed by her, 
began also to kiss me as a brother ; and led 
me about the tower, and played with me. 

101 Some of them also sung psalms, 
others made up the chorus with them. 
But 1 walked about the tower with them, 
rejoicing silently, and seeming to myself 
to be grown young again. 

102 When the evening came on, I 
would forthwith have gone home, but 
they withheld me, and suffered me not to 
depart. Wherefore I continued with them 
that night near the same tower. 

103 So they spread their linen garments 
upon the ground ; and placed me in the 
middle, nor did they anything else, only 
they prayed. 

104 I also prayed with them without 
ceasing, no less than they; who when 
they saw me pray in that manner, rejoiced 
greatly. And I continued there with them 
till the next day. 

105 And when we had worshipped 



militant and 



III. HERMAS 



triumphant. 



God, then the shepherd came arid said 
unto them, You have done no injury to 
this man ? They answered, Ask him. I 
said unto him, Sir, I have received a great 
deal of satisfaction in that I have remain- 
ed with them. 

106 And he said unto me, How didst 
thou sup ? I answered, Sir, I feasted the 
whole night upon the words of the Lord. 
They received thee well, then ? said he. 
I said, Sir, very well. 

107 He answered, Wilt thou now learn 
what thou didst desire ? I replied, Sir, I 
will: and first I pray thee that thou 
shouldest shew me all things in the order 
that I asked them. 

108 He answered, I will do all as thou 
wouldest have me, nor will I hide any- 
thing from thee. 

] 09 if First of all, Sir, said I, tell me, 
what this rock and this gate denote? 
Hearken, said he ; this rock, and this 
gate, are the Son of God. I replied, Sir, 
how can that be ; seeing that the rock is 
old, but the gate new. 

110 Hear, said he, O foolish man ! and 
understand. The Son of God is indeed 
more ancient than any creature; inso- 
much that he was in council with his 
Father at the creation of f all things. 

111 But the gate is therefore new, be- 
cause he appeared at the last days in the 
fulness of time ; that they who shall at- 
tain unto salvation, may by it enter into 
the kingdom of God. 

112 You have seen, said he, those 
stones which were carried through the 
gate, how they were placed in the build- 
ing of the tower ; but that those which 
were not carried through the gate, were 
sent away into their own places ? 

113 1 answered, Sir, I saw it. Thus, 
said he, no man shall enter into the king- 
dom of God, but he who shall take upon 
him the name of the Son of God. 

114 For if you would enter into any 
city, and that city should be encompassed 
with a wall, and had only one gate, could 
you enter into that city, except by that 
gate ? 

115 I answered, Sir, how could I do 
otherwise ? As therefore, said he, there 
would be no other way of entering into 
that city but by its gate, so neither can 
any one enter into the kingdom of God, 
but only by the name of his Son, who is 
most dear unto him. 

e Ita ut. Lat. f The creatures. 



1 16 And he said unto me, Didst thou 
see the multitude of those that built that 
tower ? Sir, said I, I saw it. He answered, 
All those are the angels, venerable in their 
dignity. 

117 With these is the Lord encom- 
passed with a wall ; but the gate is the 
Son of God, who is the only way of com- 
ing unto God. For no man shall go to 
God, but by his Son. 

118 Thou sawest also, said he, the 
six men, and in the middle of them that 
venerable great man, who walked about 
the tower, and rejected the stones out of 
the tower ? 

119 Sir, said I, I saw them. He an- 
swered, That tall man was the Son of 
God ; and those six were his angels of 
most eminent dignity, which stand about 
him on the right hand and on the left. 

120 Of these excellent angels none 
comes in unto God without him. He 
added, Whosoever therefore shall not 
take upon him his name, he shall not 
enter into the kingdom of God. 

121 IT Then I said, What is this tower ? 
This, said he, is the church. And what, 
sir, are these virgins ? He said unto me, 
These are the holy spirits, for no man can 
enter into the kingdom of God, except 
these clothe him with their garment. 

122 For it will avail thee nothing to 
take up the name of the Son of God, un- 
less thou shalt also receive their garment 
from them. For these virgins are the 
powers of the Son of God. So shall a 
man in vain bear his name, unless he 
shall also be endued with his powers. 

123 And he said unto me, Sawest thou 
those stones that were cast away ? They 
bore indeed the name, but put not on their 
garment. I said, Sir, what is their gar- 
ment ? g Their very names, said he, are 
their garment. 

124 Therefore whosoever beareth the 
name of the Son of God, ought to bear 
their names also ; for the Son of God also 
himself beareth their names. 

125 As for those stones, continued he, 
which being delivered by their hands, 
thou sawest remain in the building, they 
were clothed with their power ; for which 
cause thou seest the whole tower of the 
same b colour with the rock, and made as 
it were of one stone. 

126 So also those who have believed 

e Vid. Annot. Edit. Oxon. p. 116, d. h Vid. Ori- 
gen. Philocal. c. viii. 

169 



Of the ?nysteries 



111. HERMAS. 



of the church 



in God by his Son, have pul on this spirit. 
Behold there shall be one spirit, and one 
body, and one colour of their garments ; 
and all they shall attain this, who shall 
bear the names of these virgins. 

127 And 1 said, Sir, why then were 
those stories cast away which were re- 
jected? seeing they also were carried 
through the gate, and delivered by the 
hands of these virgins into the building 
of this tower. 

128 Seeing, said he, thou takest care 
to inquire diligently into all things, hear 
also concerning those stones which were 
rejected. All these received the name of 
the Son of God, and with that the power 
of these virgins. 

129 Having therefore received these 
spirits, they were perfected, and brought 
into the number of the servants of God ; 
and they began to be one body, and to 
have one garment, for they were • endued 
with the same righteousness, which they 
alike exercised. 

130 But after that they beheld those 
women which thou sawest clothed with 
a black garment, with their shoulders at 
liberty and their hair loose; they fixed 
their desires upon them, being tempted 
with their beauty ; and were clothed with 
their power, and cast off the clothing of 
the virgins : 

131 Therefore were they cast off from 
the house of God, and delivered to those 
women. But they that were not corrupt- 
ed with their beauty, remained in the 
house of God. This, said he, is the sig- 
nificance of those stones which were re- 
jected. 

132 II And I said, Sir, what if any of 
these men shall repent, and cast away 
their desire of those women, and be con- 
verted, and return to these virgins, and 

^ put on again their virtue ; shall they not 
enter into the house of God ? They shall 
enter, said he, if they shall lay aside all 
the works of those women, and shall re- 
sume the power of these virgins, and shall 
walk in their works. 

133 And for this cause there is a stop 
in the building, that if they shall repent, 
they may be added to the building of this 
tower; but if they shall not repent, that 
others may be built in their place, and so 
they may be utterly cast away. 



i Sentiebant aequitatem, Lat. from the Greek 
i0p6vuv : but the true reading of Hermas seemeth 
to have been iQ6^av, 

170 



134 For all these things I gave thanks 
unto the Lord, that being moved with 
mercy towards all those upon whom his 
name is called, he sent to us the angel of 
repentance to preside over us who have 
sinned against him ; and that he has re- 
freshed our spirits, which were almost 
gone, and who had no hope of salvation, 
but are now refreshed to the renewal of 
life. 

135 Then I said, Shew me now, sir, 
why this tower is not built upon the 
ground, but upon a rock, and upon the 
gate ? He replied, Thou art foolish and 
without understanding, therefore thou 
askest this. 

136 And I said, Sir, I must needs ask 
all things of you, because I understand 
nothing at all. For all your answers are 
great and excellent, and which a man can 
hardly understand. 

137 Hear, said he: The name of the 
Son of God is great and without bounds, 
and the whole world is supported by it. 
If therefore, said I, every creature of God 
be sustained by his Son, why should he 
not support those also who have been in- 
vited by him, and who carry his name, 
and walk in his commandments ? 

138 Seest thou not, said he, that he 
doth support them, who with all their 
heart bear his name ? He therefore is 
their foundation, and gladiy supports 
those who do not deny his name, but 
willingly bear it. 

139 IT And I said, Sir, tell me the names 
of these virgins, and of those women that 
were clothed with the black garment. 

140 Hear, said he, the names of those 
virgins which are the more powerful, and 
stand at the corners of the gate. These 
are their names : 

141 The first is called k Faith; the 
second, Continence; the third, Power; 
the fourth, Patience : the rest which stand 
beneath these are, Simplicity, Innocence, 
Chastity, Cheerfulness, Truth, Under- 
standing, Concord, Charity. 

142 Whosoever therefore bears these 
names, and the name of the Son of God, 
shall enter into the kingdom of God. 

143 Hear now, said he, the names of 
those women, which were clothed with 
the black garment. Of these, four are 
the principal : the first is Perfidiousness ; 
the second, Incontinence ; the third, Infi- 
delity ; the fourth, Pleasure. 

k Origen. Horn. 13, in Ezek. 



militant and 



III. HERMAS. 



triumphant. 



144 And the rest which follow are 
called thus : Sadness, Malice, Lust, An- 
ger, Lying, Foolishness, Pride, and Ha- 
tred. The servant of God, which carries 
these spirits, shall see indeed the kingdom 
of God, but he shall not enter into it. 

145 But, sir, what are those stones 
which were taken out of the deep and 
fitted into the building ? The ten, said 
he, which were placed at the foundation, 
are the first age ; the following five-and- 
twenty, the second, of righteous men. 

146 The next thirty-rive, are the pro- 
phets and ministers of the Lord ; and the 
forty, are the apostles and doctors of the 
preaching of the Son of God. 

147 And I said, Sir, why did the vir- 
gins put even those stones into the build- 
ing after they were carried through the 
gate ? And he said, Because these first 
carried those spirits, and they departed 
not one from the other, neither the men 
from the spirits, nor the spirits from the 
men ; 

148 But the spirits were joined to those 
men even to the day of their death ; who 
if they had not had these spirits with 
them, they could not have been useful to 
the building of this tower. 

149 And I said, Sir, shew me this far- 
ther. He answered, What dost thou ask ? 
Why did these stones come out of the 
deep, and were placed into the building 
of this tower, seeing that they long ago 
carried those l holy spirits ? 

150 ra It was necessary, said he, for 
them to ascend by water, that they might 
be at rest. For they could not otherwise 
enter into the kingdom of God, but by 
laying aside the mortality of their former 
life. 

151 They therefore being dead, were 
nevertheless sealed with the seal of the 
Son of God, and so entered into the king- 
dom of God. 

152 For before a man receives the name 
of the Son of God, he is ordained unto 
death ; but when he receives that seal, 
he is freed from death, and n assigned unto 
life. 

153 Now that seal is the water of bap- 
tism, into which men go down under the 
obligation unto death, but come up ap- 
pointed unto life. 

154 Wherefore to those also was this 



1 Justos, Righteous, m Vid. Edit. Oxon. n. 171, b. 
uTraditur, Delivered. 



seal ° preached, and they made use of it, 
that they might enter into the kingdom 
of God. 

155 And I said, Why then, sir, did 
these forty stones also ascend with them 
out of the deep, having already received 
that seal ? 

156 He answered, p Because these 
j Apostles and teachers, who preached the 

name of the Son of God, dying after they 
had received his faith and power, preach- 
ed to them who were dead before ; and 
they gave this seal to them. 

157 They went down therefore into 
the water with them, and again came up. 
But these went down whilst they were 
alive, and came up again alive ; whereas 
those, who were before dead, went down 
dead, but came up alive ; 

158 Through these therefore they re- 
ceived life, and knew the Son of God : 
for which cause they came up with them, 
and were fit to come into the building of 
the tower ; and were not cut, but put in 
entire ; because they died in righteous- 
ness, and in great purity ; only this seal 
was wanting to them. 

159 Thus you have the explication of 
these things. 

160 Hi answered: Sir, tell me now 
what concerns those mountains, why they 
are so different ; some of one form, and 
some of another. 

161 Hear, said he : These twelve 
mountains which thou seest, are twelve 
nations, which make up the whole world. 
Wherefore the Son of God is preached to 
them, by those whom he sent unto them. 

162 But why, said I, are they differ- 
ent, and every. one of a figure ? He re- 
plied, Hearken. Those twelve nations 
which possess the whole world, are 
twelve people. 

163 And as thou hast beheld these 
mountains different, so are they. I will 
therefore open to thee the meaning, and 
actions of every mountain. 

164 But first, sir, said I, show me 
this : Seeing these mountains are so dif- 
ferent, how. have they agreed into the 
building of this tower ; and been brought 
to one colour ; and are no less bright than 
those which came out of the deep ? 

165 Because, replied he, ail the nations 
which are under heaven, have heard and 



o Vid. Coteler. Annot. in loc. p. 77, 78. Comp. ] 
Pet. iii. 19. p Vid. Clem. Alex. Strom, ii. et vi 

171 



Of the mysteries 



III. HERMAS. 



of tlie church 



believed in the same one name of the Son 
of God by whom they are called. 

166 Wherefore having received his 
seal, they have all been made partakers 
of the same q understanding and r know- 
ledge ; and their faith and charity have 
been the same ; and they have carried the 
spirits of these virgins together with his 
name. 

167 And therefore the building of this 
tower appeared to be of the same color, 
and did shine like the brightness of the 
sun. 

168 But after that they had thus 
agreed in one mind there began to be one 
body of them all : howbeit some of them 
polluted themselves, and were cast off 
from the kind of the righteous, and again 
returned to their former state, and because 
even worse than they were before. 

169 IT How, said I, Sir, were they 
worse who knew the Lord ? He ans- 
wered ; If he who knows not the Lord 
liveth wickedly, the punishment of wick- 
edness attends him. 

170 But he who has known the Lord, 
ought to abstain together from all wick- 
edness, and more and more to be the ser- 
vant of righteousness. 

171 And does not he then seem to thee 
to sin more who ought to follow good- 
ness, if he shall prefer the part of sin ; 
than he who offends without knowing the 
9 power of God ? 

172 Wherefore these are indeed or- 
dained unto death ; but they who have 
known the Lord, and have seen his won- 
derful works, if they shall live wickedly, 
they shall be doubly punished, and shall 
die for ever. 

173 As therefore thou hast seen that 
after the stones were cast out of the tow- 
er, which had been rejected: they were 
delivered to wicked and cruel spirits; 
and thou beheldst the tower so cleansed, 
as if it had all been made of one stone : 

174 l So the church of God, when it 
shall be purified: (the u wicked and 
counterfeits, the v mischievous and doubt- 
ful, and all that have behaved themselves 
wickedly in it, and committed divers kinds 
of sin, being cast out,) shall become one 
body, and there shall be one understand- 
ing, one opinion, one faith, and the same 
charity : 

i 175 And then shall the Son of God 



q Prudence, r Sense. » Lat. Virtutem. 
Otig. Philocal. c. viii. u Evil, v Profligate. 

172 



tVid. 



rejoice among them, and shall receive his 
people with a pure will. 

1 76 And 1 said ; Sir, all these things 
are great and honorable : but now shew 
unto me the effect and force of every 
mountain ; that every soul which trust- 
eth in the Lord, when it shall hear these 
things, may honor his great, and wonder- 
ful, and holy name. 

J 77 Hear, said he, the variety of these 
mountains, that is, of the twelve nations. 

1 78 IT They who have believed of the 
first mountain, which is black, are those 
who have revolted from the faith ; and 
spoken wicked things against the Lord; 
and betrayed the servants of God. 

179 These are condemned to death, 
there is no repentance for them ; and 
therefore they are black, because their 
kind is wicked. 

180 Of the second mountain which 
was smooth, are the ^hypocrites, who have 
believed, and the teachers of naughtiness : 
and these are next to the foregoing, which 
have not in them the fruit of righteous- 
ness. 

181 For as their mountain is barren, 
and without fruit ; so also such kind of 
men have indeed the name of christians, 
but are empty of faith ; nor is there any 
fruit of truth in them. 

182 Nevertheless, there is room left 
to them for repentance, if they shall sud- 
denly pursue it : but if they shall delay, 
they also shall be partakers of death with 
the foregoing kind. 

183 1 said, Sir, why is there room left 
to those for repentance, and not to the 
foregoing kind, seeing their sins are weil 
nigh the same ? 

] 84 There-Is therefore, said he, to these 
a return unto life by repentance, because 
they have not blasphemed against their 
Lord, nor betrayed the servants of God : 
but by their desire of gain have deceived 
men, leading them according to the lusts 
of sinners ; wherefore they shall suffer 
for this thing. 

185 Howbeit there is still left them 
room for repentance, because they have 
not spoken anything wickedly against 
their Lord. 

186 IT They who are of the third 
mountain who had thorns and brambles, 
are those who believed, but were some 
of them rich, others taken up with many 
affairs : the brambles are their liches ; 



r Feigned. 



militant and 



ill. HERMAS. 



triumphant 



the thorns, those affairs in which they 
were engaged. 

187 Now they who are entangled in 
much business, and in diversity of affairs, 
join not themselves to the servants of 
God, but wander, being called away by 
those affairs with which they are choked. 

188 And so they which are rich, with 
difficulty yield themselves to the x conver- 
sation of the servants of God ; fearing 
lest anything should be asked of them. 
These therefore shall hardly enter into 
the kingdom of God. 

189 For as men walk with difficulty 
bare-foot over thorns, even so these kind 
of men shall scarcely enter into the king- 
dom of God. 

190 Nevertheless there is afforded to 
all these a return unto repentance ; if that 
they shall quickly return to it ; that be- 
cause in their former days they have neg- 
lected to work, in the time that is to come 
they may do some good. 

191 If therefore having repented they 
6hall do the works of righteousness, they 
shall live : but if they shall continue in 
their evil courses, they shall be delivered 
to those women that will take away their 
life. 

192 1T As for the fourth mountain, 
which had many herbs, the upper part of 
which is green, but the roots dry, and 
some of which being touched with the 
heat of the sun are withered ; 

193 It denotes the doubtful, who have 
believed, and some others who carry the 
Lord in their tongues, but have him not 
in their heart : therefore their grass is 
dry, and without root ; because they live 
only in words, but their works are dead. 

194 These therefore are neither dead nor 
living, and withal are doubtful. For the 
doubtful are neither green nor dry ; that 
is, neither dead nor alive. 

195 For as the herbs dry away at the 
sight of the sun; so the doubtful as soon 
as they hear of persecution, and fear in- 
conveniences, return to their idols, and 
again serve them, and are ashamed to 
bear the name of thejr Lord. 

196 This kind of men then is neither 
dead nor alive ; nevertheless these also 
may live, if they shall presently repent : 
but if not, they shall be delivered to 
those women, who shall take away their 
life 

197 IT As concerning the fifth moun- 



tain that is craggv, and yet has green 
grass : they are of this kind who have 
believed, and are faithful indeed, but be- 
lieve with difficulty ; and are bold, and 
self-conceited; that would be thought 
to know all things, but really know no- 
thing. 

198 Wherefore, by reason of this con- 
fidence, knowledge is departed from 
them ; and a rash presumption is entered 
into them. 

199 But they carry themselves high, 
and as prudent men ; and though they are 
fools, yet would seem to be teachers. 

200 Now by reason of this folly many 
of them while they magnify themselves, 
are become vain and empty. For bold- 
ness and vain confidence is a y very evil 
spirit. 

201 Wherefore many of these are cast 
away : but others acknowledging their 
error, have repented, and submitted them- 
selves to those who are knowing : 

202 And to all the rest of this kind 
I there is repentance allowed ; forasmuch 
i as they were not so much wicked, as 

foolish, and void of understanding. 

203 If these therefore shall repent, 
they shall live unto God ; but if not, they 
shall dwell with those women, who shall 
exercise their wickedness upon them. 

204 IT For what concerns the sixth 
j mountain having greater and lesser clefts, 
! they are such as have believed ; but those 
; in which were lesser clefts are they who 
; have had controversies among them- 
| selves; and by leason of their quarrels 

languish in the faith : 

205 Nevertheless many of these have 
repented, and so will the rest when they 
shall hear my commands; for their con- 
troversies are but small, and they will 
easily return unto repentance. 

206 But those who have the greater 
clefts, will be as stiff stones, mindful of 
grudges and offences, and full of anger 
among themselves. These therefore are 
cast from the tower, and refused to be 
put into its building ; for this kind of 
men shall hardly live. 

207 Our God and Lord, who ruleth 
over all things, and has power over all 
his creatures, will not remember our of- 
fences, but is easily appeased by those 
who confess their sins : but man being 
languid, mortal, infirm, and full of sins, 
perseveres in his anger against man ; as 



Vid. Edit. Oxon. p. 178. Not. b. 



T Magnum Dsemonium. 



173 



Of the mysteries 



III. HERMAS. 



of the church 



if it were in his power to save or to 
destroy him. 

208 But I, as the angel who am set 
over your repentance, admonish you, that 
whosoever among you has any such pur- 
pose he should lay it aside, and return 
unto repentance ; and the Lord will heal 
your former sins, if you shall purge your- 
selves from this evil spirit ; but if you 
shall not do it, ye shall be delivered to 
him unto death. 

209 IT As for the seventh mountain in 
which the grass was green and flourish- 
ing, and the whole mountain fruitful ; 
and all kind of cattle fed upon the grass 
of it; and the more the grass was eaten, 
so much the more it flourished ; 

210 They are such as believed, and 
were always good and upright ; and with- 
out any differences among themselves, 
but still rejoiced in the servants of God, 
having put on the spirit of these virgins ; 
and been always forward to shew mercy 
to all men, readily giving to all men of 
their labors without upbraiding, and 
without deliberation. 

211 Wherefore the Lord seeing their 
simplicity raid z innocence, has increased 
them in the works of their hands, and 
given them grace in all their works. 

212 But I, whom the angel appointed 
over your repentance, exhort you, that 
as many as are of this kind would con- 
tinue in the same purpose, that your seed 
may not be rooted out for ever. 

213 For the Lord hath tried you, and 
written you into our number; and all 
your seed shall dwell with the Son of 
God ; for ye are all of his spirit. 

214 II As concerning the eighth moun- 
tain in which were a great many springs, 
by which every kind of all the creatures 
of God was watered ; they are such as 
have believed the Apostles which the 
Lord sent into all the world to preach ; 

215 And a some of them being teach- 
ers have preached and taught purely and 
sincerely, and have not in the least 
yielded to any evil desires, but have con- 
stantly walked in righteousness and truth. 

216 These therefore have their con- 
versation among the angels. 

217 IT Again ; as for what concerns 
the ninth mountain which is desert, and 
full of serpents ; they are such as have 
believed, but had many stains ; 

z Infancy. * MS. Lamb. Et quidam Doctores 
caste : Omitting Qui. 

174 



218 These are such ministers as dis- 
charge their ministry amiss ; ravishing 
away the goods of the widows and fath- 
erless ; and serve themselves, not others, 
out of those things which they have re- 
ceived. 

219 These, if they continue in this 
covetousness, have delivered themselves 
unto death, nor shall there be any hope 
of life for them. But if they shall be 
converted, and shall discharge their min- 
istry sincerely, they may live. 

220 As for those which were found 
rough ; they are such as have denied the 
name of the Lord, and not returned again 
to the Lord, but have become savage 
and wild ; not applying themselves to 
the servants of God ; but being separa- 
ted from them, have for a little careful- 
ness lost their lives. 

221 For as a vine that is forsaken in 
a hedge, and never dressed, perishes and 
is choked by the w r eeds, and in time be- 
comes wild, and ceases to be useful to its 
lord ; so this kind of men despairing of 
themselves, and being soured, have be- 
gun to be unprofitable to their Lord. 

222 Howbeit to these there is, after 
all, repentance allowed, if they shall nGt 
be found from their hearts to have denied 
Christ : but if any of these shall be 
found to have denied him from his heart, 
I cannot tell whether such a one can at- 
tain unto life. 

223 1 say therefore, that if any one 
hath denied, he should in these days re- 
turn unto repentance ; for it cannot be 
that any one who now denies the Lord, 
can afterwards attain unto salvation ; 
nevertheless repentance is proposed unto 
them, who have formerly denied. 

224 But he who will repent must 
hasten on his repentance, before the 
building of this tower is finished : other- 
wise, he shall be delivered by those wo- 
men unto death. 

225 But they that are maimed, are the 
deceitful ; and those who mix with one 
another, these are the serpents that you 
saw mingled in that mountain. 

226 For as the poison of serpents is 
deadly unto men ; so the words of such 
persons infect and destroy men. They 
are therefore maimed in their faith, by 
reason of that kind of life which they 
lead. 

227 Howbeit some of them, having 
repented, have been saved ; and so shall 
others of the same kind be also saved, if 



militant and 



III. HERMAS. 



triumphant 



they shall repent ; but if not, they shall 
die by those women whose power and 
force they possess. 

228 1T For what concerns the tenth 
mountain, in which were the trees cover- 
ing the cattle, they are such as have be- 
lieved ; and some of them been bishops, 
that is, governors of the churches. 

229 Others, are such stones, as have 
not feignedly, but with a cheerful mind, 
entertained the servants of God. 

230 Then such as have been set over 
inferior ministries ; and have protected 
the poor and the widows ; and have al- 
ways kept a chaste conversation ; there- 
fore they also are protected by the Lord. 

231 Whosoever shall do on this wise, 
are honoured with the Lord ; and their 
place is among the angels, if they shall 
continue to obey the Lord even unto the 
end. 

232 U As to the eleventh mountain in 
which were trees loaded with several 
sorts of fruits ; they are such as have be- 
lieved, and suffered death for the name 
of the Lord ; and have endured with a 
ready mind, and have given up their 
lives with all their hearts. 

233 And I said, Why then, Sir, have 
all these fruit indeed, but yet some fairer 
than others ? 

234 Hearken, said he : Whosoever 
have suffered for the name of the Lord 
are esteemed honourable by the Lord ; 
and all their offences are blotted out, be- 
cause they have suffered death for the 
name of the Son of God. 

235 Hear now, why their fruits are 
different, and some of them excel others, 
they who being brought before magis- 
trates, and being asked, denied not the 
Lord, but suffered with a ready mind ; 
these are more honourable with the Lord. 
The fruits therefore that are most fair 
are these. 

236 But they who were fearful and 
doubtful, and have deliberated with them- 
selves whether they should confess or 
deny Christ, and yet have suffered ; their 
fruits are smaller, because that this 
thought came into their heart?. 

237 For it is a wicked and evil thought 
for a servant to deliberate whether he 
should deny his master. Take heed 
therefore ye who have such thoughts, 
that this mind continue not in you, and 
ye die unto God. 

238 But ye who suffer death for his 
name sake, ought to honour the Lord, 



that he has esteemed you worthy to bear 
his name ; and that you should be deliv- 
ered from all your sins. 

239 And why therefore do you not 
rather esteem yourselves happy? Ye 
think verily that if any one among you 
suffer, he performs a great work ? Foi 
the Lord giveth you life, and ye under- 
stand it not. For your offences did op- 
press you ; and if you had not suffered 
for his name sake, ye had now been dead 
unto the Lord. 

240 Wherefore I speak this unto you 
who deliberate whether ye should con- 
fess or deny him : confess that ye have 
the Lord for your God ; lest at any time 
denying him, ye be delivered over into 
bonds. 

241 For if all nations punish their 
servants which deny their masters ; what 
think you that the Lord will do unto you, 
who has the power of all things. 

242 Remove therefore out of your 
hearts these doubts, that ye may live for 
ever unto God. 

243 As for the twelfth mountain, 
which was white, they are such as have 
believed like sincere children, into whose 
thoughts there never came any malice ; 
nor have they ever known what sin was, 
but have always continued in their in- 
tegrity. 

244 Wherefore this kind of men shalj 
without ail doubt inherit the kingdom of 
God ; because they have never in any- 
thing defiled the commandments of God, 
but have continued with sincerity in the 
same condition all the days of their life 

246 Whosoever therefore, said he, 
shall continue as children without mal- 
ice ; shall be more honourable than all 
those of whom I have yet spoken : for 
all such children are honoured by the 
Lord, and esteemed the first of all. 

246 Happy therefore are ye who shall 
remove all malice from you, and put on 
innocence ; because ye shall first see the 
Lord. 

247 And after he had thus ended his 
explication of all the mountains, I said 
unto him ; Sir, shew me now also what 
concerns the stones that were brought 
out of the plain, and put into the tower 
in the room of those that were rejected. 

248 As also concerning those round 
stones which were added into the build- 
ing of the tower ; and also of those who 
still continued round 

249 IT Hear now, says he, concerning 

175 



Of the mysteries 



III. HERMAS. 



qf the church. 



those stones which were brought out of 
the plain into the building of the tower, 
and placed in the room of those that were 
rejected : they are the roots of that white 
mountain. 

250 Wherefore because those who 
have believed of that mountain, were 
very innocent ; the lord of this tower 
commanded that they which were of the 
roots of this mountain should be placed 
into the building. 

251 For he knew that if they were 
put into this building they should con- 
tinue bright; nor would any of them 
any more be made black. 

252 But if he had added on this man- 
ner from the rest of the mountains, he 
would b almost have needed again to. visit 
this tower and to cleanse it. 

253 Now all these white stones are 
the young men who have believed, or 
shall believe ; for they are all of the same 
kind. Happy is this kind, because it is 
innocent. 

254 Hear now also concerning those 
round and bright stones : all these are of 
this white mountain. But they are 
therefore found round, because their 
riches have a little darkened them from 
the truth, and dazzled their eyes : 

255 Howbeit they have never departed 
from the Lord, nor has any wicked word 
proceeded out of their mouths ; but all 
righteousness, and virtue, and truth. 

256 When therefore the Lord saw 
their mind, and that they might adorn the 
truth ; he commanded that they should 
continue good, and that their riches 
should be pared away : 

257 For he would not have them ta- 
ken wholly away, to the end they might 
do some good with that which was left, 
and live unto God ; because they also are 
of a good kind. 

258 Therefore was there a little cut 
off from them, and so they were put into 
the building of this tower. 
v. 259 IT As for the rest which continued 
still round, and were not found fit for the 
building c of this tower, because they 
have not yet received the seal ; they 
were carried back to their place, because 
they were found very round. 

260 But this present world must be 
cut away from them, and the vanities of 
their riches ; and then they will be fit for 



; b MS. Lamb. Tantum non necesse habuisset. 
c MS. Lamb. Structuram turris hujus. 

176 



"the kingdom of God. For they must 
enter into the kingdom of God, because 
God has blessed this innocent kind. 

261 Of this kind therefore none shall 
fall away ; for though any of them being 
tempted by the devil should offend, he 
shall soon return to his Lord God. 

262 I the angel of repentance esteem 
you happy, whosoever are innocent as 
little children, because your portion is 
good and honourable with the Lord. 

263 And I say unto all you who have 
received this seal ; keep simplicity, and 
remember not the offences which are com- 
mitted against you, nor continue in mal- 
ice, or in bitterness, through the memory 
of offences. 

264 d But become one spirit, and pro- 
vide remedies for these evil rents, and re- 
move them from you ; that the lord of 
the sheep may rejoice eat it; for f he 
will rejoice, if he shall find all whole. 

265 But if any of these sheep shall 
be found scattered away, Wo shall be to 
the shepherds : but and if the shepherds 
themselves shall be scattered ; what will 
they answer to ethe lord of the sheep- 
fold ? Will they say that they" were 
troubled by the sheep ? But they shall 
not be believed. 

266 For it is an incredible thing that 
the shepherd should suffer by his flock ; 
and he shall be the more punished for 
his lie. 

267 Now I am the shepherd ; and J 
especially must give an account of you. 

268 IT Wherefore take care of your- 
selves whilst the tower is yet building. 
The Lord dwells in those that love peace ; 
for peace is beloved ; but he is far off 
from the contentious, and those who are 
h full of malice. 

269 Wherefore restore unto him the 
Spirit entire, as ye received it. ' For if 
thou shalt give unto a fuller a garment 
new and whole, thou wilt expect to re- 
ceive it whole again : if therefore the ful- 
ler shall restore it unto thee torn, wouldst 
thou receive it ? 

270 Wouldst thou not presently be 
angry ; and reproach him, saying ; I 
gave my garment to thee whole ; why 



d MS. Lamb. Et utmm quemque spiritum fieri : 
which appears from the Greek of Anuochus to be 
the true reading, ^ yeveaOai h wv&Vfia. e MS. 
Lamb. Gaiideat de his ; and Gr. Antioch. x a P*i ™ 
flfvrw. f Vid. Antioch. Horn, cxxii. g Gr. T&» 
bvaTTorri t3 iroipvw. hPerditis mali'ia. Lat. 
i Antioch. Horn. xciv. 



Of repentance 



III. HERMAS. 



and alms-deeds. 



hast thou rent it, and made it useless to 
me ? Now it is of no use to me, by- 
reason of the rent which thou hast made 
in it. Wouldst thou not say all this to 
a fuller, for the rent which he made in 
thy garment ? 

271 If therefore thou wouldst be con- 
cerned for thy garment, and complain 
that thou hadst not received it whole; 
what thinkest thou that the Lord will do, 
who gave his Spirit to thee entire, and 
thou hast rendered him altogether un- 
profitable, so that he can be of no use 
unto his Lord ? For being corrupted by 
thee, he is ho longer profitable to him. 

272 Will not therefore the Lord do the 
same concerning his Spirit, by reason of 
thy deed ? Undoubtedly, said I, he will 
do the same to all those whom he shall 
find to continue in the remembrance of 
injuries. 

273 Tread not then under foot, said 
he, his mercy ; but father honour him, 
because he is so patient with respect to 
your offences, and not like one of you ; 
but repent, for that will be profitable for 
you. 

274 All these things which are above 
written, I the shepherd, the angel of re- 
pentance, have shewn and spoken to the 
servants of God. 

275 If therefore ye shall believe and 
hearken to these words, and shall walk 
in them, and shall correct your ways, ye 
shall live. But if ye shall continue in 
malice, and in the remembrance of inju- 
ries, no such sinners shall live unto God. 

276 All these things which were to 
be spoken by me, I have thus delivered 
unto you. Then the Shepherd said unto 
me, Hast thou asked all things of me ? 
I answered, Sir, I have. 

277 Why then, said he, hast thou not 
asked concerning the spaces of these 
stones that were put in the building, that 
I may explain that also unto thee ? I an- 
swered, Sir, I forgot it. Hear, then, said 
he, concerning those also. 

278 They are those who have now 
heard these commands, and have repent- 
ed with all their hearts. 

279 And when the Lord saw that their 
repentance was good and pure, and that 
they could continue in it, he commanded 
their former sins to be blotted out. For 
these spaces were their sins, and they are 
therefore made even that they might not 
appear. 



SIMILITUDE X. 

Of repentance and alms-deeds. 

AFTER that I had written this book, 
the angel which had delivered me 
to that shepherd, came into the house 
where I was, and sate upon the bed, and 
that shepherd stood at his right hand. 

2 Then he called me and said unto me; 
I delivered thee and thy house to this 
shepherd, that thou mightest be protected 
by him. I said, Yes, Lord. 

3 If therefore, said he, thou wilt be pro- 
tected from all vexations and from all cru- 
elty, and have success in every good 
word and work ; and have all virtue and 
righteousness ; walk in those commands 
which he has given thee, and thou shalt 
have dominion over all sin. 

4 For if thou keepest those commands, 
all the lust and pleasure of this present 
world shall be subject to thee ; and suc- 
cess shall follow thee in every good un- 
dertaking. 

5 Take therefore his k gravity and mod- 
esty towards thee, and say unto all, that 
he is in great honour and renown with 
God, and is a \ prince of great authority, 
and powerful in his office. 

6 To him only is the power of repent- 
ance committed throughout the whole 
world. Does he not seem to thee to be 
of great authority ; 

7 But ye despise his goodness, and the 
modesty which he shews towards you. 

8 IT I said unto him ; Sir, ask him 
since the time that he came into my house 
whether I have done any thing disorder- 
ly, or have offended him in any thing ? 

9 I know, said he, that thou hast done 
nothing disorderly, neither wilt thou 
hereafter do any such thing ; and there- 
fore I speak these things with thee that 
thou mayest persevere ; for he has given 
me a good account concerning thee. 

10 But thou shalt speak these things 
to others, that they who have repented, 
or shall repent, ra may be like-minded with 
thee ; and he may give me as good an ac- 
count of them also, and I may do the 
same unto the Lord. 

11 I answered; Sir, I declare to all 
men the wonderful works of God ; and I 
hope that all who love them and have be- 
fore sinned, when they shall hear these 
things, will repent, and recover life. 

k Lat. Maturitatem. I President. *» Eadem qu® 
te sentiant. 

177 



Of repentance 



III. HERMAS 



and alms-deeds. 



12 Continue therefore, said he, in this 
ministry, and fulfil it. And whosoever 
shall do according to the commands of 
this shepherd, he shall live ; and shall 
have great honor both here and with the 
Lord. 

13 But they that shall not keep his 
commands, flee from their life, and are ad- 
versaries unto it. And they that follow 
not his commands shall deliver themselves 
unto death ; and shall be every one guil- 
ty of his own blood. 

14 But I say unto thee, keep these 
commandments, and thou shall find a cure 
for all thy sins. 

15 11 Moreover I have sent n these vir- 
gins to dwell with thee ; for I have seen 
that they are very kind to thee. Thou 
shalt therefore have them for thy helpers, 
that thou mayest the better keep the com- 
mands which he hath given thee ; for 
these commands cannot be kept without 
these virgins. 

1 6 And ° I see how they are willing to 
be with thee ; and 1 will also command 
them that they shall not all depart from 
thy house. 

17 Only do thou purify thy house ; for 
they will readily dwell in a clean house. 
For they are clean and chaste, and in- 
dustrious ; and all of them have grace 
with the Lord. 

18 If, therefore, thou shalt have thy 
house pure, they will abide with thee. 
But, if it shall be never so little polluted, 
they will immediately depart from thy 
house ; for these virgins cannot endure 
any manner of pollution. 

19 1 said unto him ; Sir, I hope that 1 
shall so please them, that they shall al- 
ways delight to dwell in my house. And 
as he to whom you have committed me, 
makes no complaint of me ; so neither 
shall they complain. 

20 Then he said to that shepherd : I 
see that the servant of God will live 
and keep these commandments, and place 
these virgins in a pure habitation. 

21 When he had said this, he deliv- 
ered me again to that shepherd, and call- 



n What is meant by these virgins ; see before Si- 
mil, ix. v. 139 et seq. o MS. Lamb. Video : which 
appears from the close of this section to be the true 
reading. 

178 



ed the virgins, and said unto them ; for- 
asmuch as I see that ye will readily dwell 
in this man's house, I commend him and 
his house to you, that ye may not at all 
depart from his house. And they wil- 
lingly heard these words. 

22 IF Then he said unto me, Go on 
manfully in thy ministry ; declare to all 
men the great things of God, and thou 
shalt find grace in this ministry. 

23 And whosoever shall walk in these 
commands shall live, and be happy in 
his life. But he that shall neglect them, 
shall not live, and shall be unhappy in 
his life. 

24 Say unto all, that whosoever can 
do well, cease not to exercise themselves 
in good works, for it is profitable unto 
them. For I p would that all men should 
be delivered from the inconveniences they 
lie under. 

25 For he that wants, and suffers in- 
conveniences in his daily life, is in great 
torment and necessity. Whoever there- 
fore delivers such a soul from necessity, 
gets great joy unto himself. 

26 For he that is grieved with such 
inconveniences is equally tormented, as 
if he were in chains. And many upon 
the account of such calamities, being not 
able to bear them, have chosen even to 
destroy themselves. 

27 He therefore, that knows the ca- 
lamity of such a man, and does not free 
him from it, commits a great sin, and is 
guilty of his blood. 

28 Wherefore exercise yourselves in 
good works, as many as have received 
ability from the Lord ; lest whilst ye de- 
lay to do them, the building of the tower 
be finished ; because for your sakes the 
building is stopped. 

29 Except therefore ye shall make 
haste to do well, the tower shall be finish- 
ed, and ye shall be shut out of it. 

30 And after he had thus spoken with 
me, he rose up from the bed, and depart- 
ed, taking the shepherd and virgins with 
him. 

31 Howbeit he said unto me that he 
would send back the shepherd and vir- 
gins unto my house. Amen. 



pSay, 



THE END 
OF THE APOCRYPHAL NEW TESTAMENT, 



TABLE I. 

A LIST of all the Apocryphal Pieces not now extant, mentioned by Writers in the 
first four Centuries of Christ, with the several Works wherein they are cited or 
noticed. By the Rev t Jeremiah Jones. 



1. The Acts of Andrew. Euseb. Hist. Eccl. 1. 3. c. 25. Philastr. Hares. 87. 
Epiphan. Hares. 47. §. 1. Hares. 61. §. 1. et Hceres. 63. §. 2. Gelas. in Decret. apud 
Concil. Sanct. torn. 4. p. 1260. 

2. Books under the name of Andrew. August, conir. Adversar. Leg. et. Prr.phet. 
I. 1. c. 20. et Innocent I. Epist. 3. ad Exuper. Tholos. Epis. §. 7. 

3. The Gospel of Andrew. Gelas. in Decret, 

A Gospel under the name of Apelles. Hieron. Prcefat. in Comment, in Matt. 
The Gospel according to the Twelve Apostles. Origen. Homil. in Luc. i. I. Am- 
bros. Comment, in Luc. \. \. et Hieron. Prcefat. in Comment, in Matt. 

B. 

The Gospel of Barnabas. Gelas. in Decret. 

1. The Writings of Bartholomew the Apostle. Dionys. Areopagit. de Theol. 
My st. c. 1. 

2. The Gospel of Bartholomew. Hieron, Catal, Script. Eccles. in Pantcen. et Prce- 
fat. in Comm. in Matt. Gelas. in Decret. 

The Gospel of Basilides. Orig. in Luc. i. 1. Ambros. in Luc. i. 1 Hieron. Prce- 
fat. in Comm. in Matt. 



1. The Gospel of Cerinthus. Epiphan. Hares. 51. §. 7. 

2. The Revelation of Cerinthus. Caius Presb. Rom. lib. Disput. apud Euseb. Hist. 
Eccl. 1. 3. c. 28. 

1. An Epistle of Christ to Peter and Paul. August, de Consens. Evang.l. 1. c. 9. 10. 

2. Some other Books under the name of Christ. Ibid. c. 3. 

3. An Epistle of Christ, produced by the Manichees. August, contr. Faust. 1. 28. c. 4. 

4. A Hymn, which Christ taught his Disciples. Episc. ad Ceret. Episc. 

E. 

The Gospel according to the Egyptians. Clem. Alex. Strom. 1. 3. p. 452, 465. Ori- 
gen. in Luc. i. 1. Hieron. Pr<ef. in Comm. in Matt. Epiphan. Hceres. 62. §. 2. 

The Acts of the Apostles, made use of by the Ebionites. Epiphan. Hceres. 30. §. 16. 
The Go3pel of the Ebionites. Epiphan. Hceres. 30. §. 13. 
The Gospel of the Encratites. Epiphan. Hceres. 46. §. 1. 
The Gospel of Eve. Epiphan. Hceres. 26. §. 2. 

H. 

The Gospel according to the Hebrews. Hegesipp. lib. Comment, apud Euseb, Hist. 
Eccl. I. 4. c. 22. Clem. Alex. Strom. 1. 2. p. 380. Origen. Tract. 8. in Matt. xix. 19. 
et 1. 2. in Joan. p. 58. Euseb. Hist. Eccl. 1. 3. c. 25, 27, et 39. Jerome in many places, 
as above. 

179 



Table 1. — The Lost Apocryphal Books. 



The Book of the Helkasaites. Euseb. Hist. Eccl. 1. 6. c. 38. 
The false Gospels of Hesychius. Hieron. Prafat. in Evang. ad Damas. Gelas. in 
Decret. 



1. The Book of James. Origen. Comm. in Matt. xiii. 55, 56. 

2. Books forged and published under the name of James. Epiphan. Hares. 30. § 23. 
Innocent I. Epist. 3. ad Exuper. Tholos, Episc. §. 7. 

1. The Acts of John. Euseb. Hist. Eccl. I. 3. c. 25. Athanas. in Synops. §. 76, 
Philastr. Hares. 87. Epiphan. Hares. 47. §. 1. August, contr. Advers. Leg. 1. 1. c. 20. 

2. Books under the name of John. Epiphan. Hceres. 30. §. 23. et Innocent I. ibid. 
A Gospel under the name of Jude. Epiphan. Hares. 38, §. 1. 

A Gospel under the name of Judas Iscariot. lren. advers. Hares. 1. 1. c. 35. 



The Acts of the Apostles by Leucius. August, lib. de Fide contr. Manich. c. 38. 
The Acts of the Apostles by Lentitius. August, de Act. cum Folic. Manich. 
1. 2. c. 6. 

The Books of Lentitius. Gelas. in Decret. 

The Acts under the Apostles' name by Leonitus. August, de Fide contr. Manich, c. 5. 
The Acts of the Apostles by Leuthon. Hieron. Epist. ad Chromat. et Heliodor. 
The false Gospels, published by Lucianus. Hieron. Prafat. in Evang. et Damas 

M. 

The Acts of the Apostles used by the Manichees. August, lib. cont. Adimant. 
Manich. c. 17. 

The Gospel of Marcion. Tertull. adv. Marcion. lib. 4. c. 2. et 4. Epiphan. Hares. 
42 Proam. 

Books under the name of Matthew. Epiphan. Hares. 30. § 23. 

1. The Gospel of Matthias. Orig. Comm. in Luc. i. 1. Euseb. Hist. Eccl. 1. 3. c. 
25. Ambros. in Luc. i. 1. Hieron. Prafat. in Comment, in Matt. 

2. The traditions of Matthias. Clem. Alex. Strom. 1. 2. p, 380. 1. 3. p. 436. et 1. 7. 
p. 748. 

3. A Book under the name of Matthias. Innocent I. ibid. 
The Gospel of Merinthus. Ephiphan. Hares. 51. §. 7. 

N. 

The Gospel according to the Nazarenes. See above concerning the Gospel according 
to the Hebrews. 



1. The Acts of Paul and Thecla. Tertull. de Baptism, c. 17. Hieron. Catal. 
Script. Eccl. in Luc. Gelas. in Decret. 

2. The Acts of Paul. Orig. de Princip. 1. 1. c. 2. et 1. 21. in Joan. torn. 2. p. 298. 
Euseb. Eccl. 1. 3. c. 3. et 25. Philastr. Hares. 87. 

3. The preaching of Paul (and Peter.) Lactant. de Ver. Sap. 1. 4. c. 21. Script, 
anonym, ad calcem Opp. Cypr. and, according to some, Clem. Alex. Strom. 1. 6. p. 636. 

4. A Book under the name of Paul. Cyprian. Epist. 27. 

5. The Revelation of Paul. Epiphan. Hares. 38. §. 2. August. Tract. 98. in Jo- 
ann. in fin. Gelas. in Decret. 

The Gospel of Perfection. Epiphan. Heres. 26. § 2. 

1. The Acts of Peter. Euseb. Hist. Eccl. 1. 3. c. 3. Athanas in Synops. S. Scriptur. 
§. 76. Philastr. Hares. 87. Hieron. Capital. Script. Eccl. inPetr. Epiphan. Hares. 30. 
§. 15. 

2. The Docrine of Peter. Orig. Procem. in lib. de Princip. 

3. The Gospel of Peter. Serap. lib. de Evang. Petri, apud. Euseb. Hist. Eccl. 1. 6. 
c. 12. Tertull. adv. Marc. ]. 4. c. 5. Orig. Comment, in Matt. xiii. 55, 56. torn. i. p. 
223. Euseb. Hist. Eccl. 1. 3. c. 3. et 25. Hieron. Catal. Script. Eccles. in Petr. 

4. The Judgment of Peter. Rufin. Exposit. in Symbol. Apostol. §. 36. Hieron. Ca. 
f«Z, Script. Eccles. in Petr. 

180 






Table I. — The Lost Apocryphal Books. 

' 5. The Preaching of Peter. — Heracl. apud. Orig. 1. 14, in Joan. Clem. Alex. Strom. 
1. 1. p. 357. 1. 2. p. 390. 1. 6. p. 635, 636, et 678. Theodot. Byzant. in Excerpt, p. 809. ad 
calc. Opp. Clem. Alex. Lactant. de Ver. Sap. 1. 4. c. 21. Euseb. Hist. Eccles. 1. 3. c. 
3. et Hieron Catal. Script. Eccles. in Petr. 

6. The Revelation of Peter. Clem. Alex. lib. Hypotopos apud. Euseb. Hist. Eccl. 1. 
6. c. 14. Theodot. Byzant. in Excerpt, p. 806. 807: ad calc. Opp. Clem. Alex. Euseb. 
Hist. Eccl. 1. 3. c. 3. et 25. Hieron. Catal. Script. Eccl. in Petr. 

7 Books under the name of Peter. Innocent I. Epist. 3. ad Exuper. Tholos. Episc. 
§.7. 

1. The Acts of Philip. Gelas. in Decret. 

2. The Gospel of Philip. Epiphan. Hares. 26. §. 13. 

S. 

The Gospel of Scythianus. Cyrill. Catech. VI. §. 22. et Epiphan, Hares. 66. §. 2. 
The Acts of the Apostles by Seleucus. Hieron Epist. ad Chromat. et Heliodor. 
The Revelation of Stephen. Gelas. in Decret. 

T. 

The Gospel of Titian. Euseb. Hist. Eccl. 1. 4. c. 29. 
The Gospel of Thadd^eus. Gelas in Decret. 

The Catholic Epistle of Themison the Montanist. Apollon. lib. cont, Cataphryg. apud 
Euseb. Hist. Eccl. 1. 5. c. 18. 

1. The Acts of Thomas. Epiphan. Hares. 47. §. 1. et 61. §. 1 Athanas.in Synops. 
S. Script. §. 76. et Gelas. in Decret. 

2. The Gospel of Thomas. Orig. in Luc. i. 1. Euseb. Hist. Eccl. I. 3. c. 25. Cyr- 
ill. Catech. IV. §. 36. et Catech. VI. §. 31. Ambros in Luc. i 1. Athan. in Synops. S. 
Script. §. 76. Hieron. Proef. in Comment, in Matth. Gelas. in Decret. 

3. The Revelation of Thomas. Gelas. in Decret. 

4. Books under the name of Thomas. Innocent. I. Epist. 3. ad Exuper. Tholos 
Episc. §. 7. 

The Gospel of Truth made use of by the Valentinians. Iren. adv. Hoeres. 1. 3. c. 11. 



V. 

The Gospel of Valentinus. Tertull. de Prmscript, adv. Haret. c. 49. 



181 



TABLE II. 



A LIST of the Christian Authors of the first four Centuries, whose Writings 
contain Catalogues of the Books of the New Testament. By the Rev. Jeremiah 
Jones. 

*** Those who also have Catalogues of the Book of the Old Testament, are 

marked thus *. 



The Names of the Wiiters. 


|t 

*1 


The Variation or Agreement of their 
Catalogues with ours now received. 


The Places of their Wri- 
tings, in which these Cat- 
alogues are. 


I. 


AC. 






* Origen, a Presbyter 


210. 


Omits the Epistles of James and 


Comment, in Matt. 


of Alexandria, who 




Jude, though he owns them 


apud Euseb. Hist. 


employed incredible 




both in other parts of his wri- 


Eccl 1. 6. c. 25. Ex- 


pains in knowing the 




tings. 


posit, in Joan. 1. 5. 


Scriptures. 






apud Euseb. ibid. 


II. 

Eusebius Pamphilus, 


315. 


His Catalogue is exactly the same 


Hist. Eccl. 1. 3, c. 25 


whose writings evi- 




with the modern one ; only he 


confer ejusdem lib. e. 


dence his zeal about 




says, the Epistles of James, 


3. 


the sacred writings, 




Jude, the 2d of Peter, the 2d 




and his great care to 




and 3d of John, though they 




be informed, which 




were generally received, yet 




were genuine, and 




had been by some doubted of. 




which not. 




As to the Revelation, though he 
says some rejected it, yet he 
says others received it ; and 
himself places it among those, 
which are to be received with- 
out dispute. 




III. 








* Athanasius, Bp. of 


315. 


The same perfectly with ours 


Fragment. Epist. Fes- 


Alexandria. 




now received. 


tal, et in Synops. 
Scriptur. Sacr. 


IV. 








* Cyril, Bp. of Jeru- 


340. 


The same with ours, only the 


Catech. IV. § 36 


salem. 




Revelation is omitted. 




V. 

* The Bishops assem- 


364. 


The Revelation is omitted. 


Canon. LX. 


bled in the Council of 


t 




N. B. The Canons of this 


Laodicea. 






Council were not long af- 






terwards received into the 








body of the Canons of the 


L 






universal Church. 



t The Papists generally place this Council before the Council of Nice, 

182 



Table II. — Catalogues of the New Testament 





T3 

•- > 






The Names of the Writers. 




The Variation or Agreement of their 
Catalogues with ours now received. 


The Plaoes of their Wri- 
tings, in which these Cat- 
alogues are. 


VI. 


a. a 






Epiphanius, Bp. of Sa- 


370. 


The same with ours now re- 


Hares. 76. c. 5. 


lamis in Cyprus. 




ceived. 




VII. 








Gregory Nazianzen, 


375. 


Omits the Revelation. 


Carm. de veris et gen- 


Bp. of Constantinople. 






uin. Scriptur. 


VIII. 








Philastrius, Bp. of 


380. 


The same with ours now receiv- 


Lib. de Hoeras. 87. 


Brixia in Venice. 




ed ; except that he mentions 
only thirteen of St. Paul's Epis- 
tles (omitting, very probably, 
the Epistle to the Hebrews), 
and leaves out the Revelation. 




IX. 








* Jerome. 


382. 


The same with ours ; except that 


Ep. ad Paulin. de stud. 






he speaks dubiously of the Epis- 


Sci'ipt. Also com- 






tle to the Hebrews ; though in 


monly prefixed to the 






other parts of his writings, he 


Latin Vulgate. 






receives it as Canonical. 




X. 

* Rufin, Presbyter of 


390. 


It perfectly agrees with ours. 


Expos, in Symb. Ap- 


Aquilegium. 






ostol. § 36. int. Op. 
Hieron. et inter Op. 
Cypr. 


XI. 








• Austin, Bp. of Hippo 


394. 


It perfectly agrees with ours. 


De Doct. Christ. 1 2. 


in Africa. 






c. 8. 


XII. 


St. 
Austin 






* The forty-four Bps. 


It perfectly agrees with oursu 


Vid. Canon, xlvii. et 


assembled in the third 


was 




cap ult. 


Council of Carthage. 


ent at 
it- 






XIII. 








The anonymous author 


390. 


It seems perfectly to agree with 


Lib. de Hierarch, Eccl. 


of the works under 




ours: for though he doth not, 


c. 3. 


the name of Dionysi- 




for good reasons, produce the 




us the Areopagite. 




names of the books ; yet (as 
the learned Daille* says, De 
Script, supposit. Dionys. 1. 1. c. 
16.) he so clearly describes 
them, as that he has left out no 
divine book, may be easily per- 
ceived. 


1 



183 



ner. Jones 


Owen 


1 41 


38 


[ 67 


63 


\ 63. 


53 


97 


.-..69 



TABLE III. 

Times of writing the FOUR GOSPELS in the New Testament, from— I. Dr. 
Lardner 7 s Supplement to the Credibility of the Gospel History. 2. The Rev. 
Jeremiah Jones's Canonical Authority of the New Testament. 3. Dr. Henry 
Owen's Observations on the Four Gospels. 

Gospels. 

Matthew A. D. 64.. 

Mark 64.. 

Luke 63. 

John 68. 

Acts of the Apostles written, according to Dr. Lardner, A. D. 63 or 64. 
Note.— Christ died A. D. 36 

Times and Places of the writing of PAUL'S EPISTLES, arranged chronolo- 
gically. — From Lardner. 

Epistles. Places. A. D. 

I. Thessalonians Corinth 52 

II. Thessalonians Corinth 52 

Galatians Corinth or Ephesus ,,.end of 52 

or beginning of 53 
I. Corinthians Ephesus beginning of 56 

I. Timothy Macedonia 56 

Titus Macedonia, or near it before the end of 56 

II. Corinthians Macedonia about October, 57 

Romans Corinth about February, 58 

Ephesians Rome about April, 61 

II. Timothy Rome about May, 61 

Philippians Rome before end of 62 

Colossians Rome before end of 62 

Philemon Rome before end of 62 

Hebrews Rome or Italy Spring of 63 

Times and Places of the writing of the SEVEN CATHOLIC EPISTLES.— 
^S j^ From Lardner. 

St. JameM... *)...?.. !7..()L*| Judea 61 

/" ™ or beginning of 62 
I. II. St. Peter ,...Rome 64 

I. St. John Ephesus about 80 

II. III. St. John Ephesus..; between 80 and 90 

St. Jude Unknown 64 or 65 

Revelation of St. John Patmos or Ephesus 95 or 96 

184 

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